Battle of the Yarmuk

Battle of the Yarmuk (also spelled Yarmouk) was a major battle fought between the Byzantine Empire and the Arab Muslim forces of the Rashidun Caliphate. The battle, consisting of a series of engagements over six days, took place from August 15 to August 20, 636, near the Yarmuk River (also called the Hieromyces River) along the present-day borders of Syria–Jordan and Syria-Israel, southeast of the Sea of Galilee. The result was a decisive victory for the Rashidun Caliphate, leading to the end of Roman rule in Syria after about seven centuries.

 Background 
During the Byzantine–Sasanian War of 602–628, Heraclius became the Byzantine Emperor in 610. After expelling the Persians from Anatolia and achieving victories, he managed to restore the True Cross to Jerusalem in 629. Concurrently, the rise of Islam under Muhammad led to the unification of the Arabian Peninsula.

After Muhammad's death in 632, his successor Abu Bakr launched a series of conquests, including the invasion of Syria. The Rashidun forces, led by Khalid ibn al-Walid, achieved significant victories against the Byzantine forces, including at the Battle of Ajnadayn and the capture of Damascus in 635.

 Byzantine Counterattack 
In response to the Muslim conquests, Byzantine Emperor Heraclius prepared a large counteroffensive. By May 636, he had assembled a vast army from various regions. Despite this, coordination with an allied Persian counteroffensive failed. The Byzantine forces, commanded by Theodore Trithyrius, Vahan, Buccinator, Jabalah ibn al-Aiham, and others, advanced towards the Yarmuk River.

 The Battle 
The battle took place in the Yarmuk River basin. The Rashidun forces, commanded by Khalid ibn al-Walid, Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah, and other leaders, used tactical withdrawals and reinforcements to overcome the larger Byzantine army. The victory at Yarmuk marked the end of Byzantine control in Syria and led to the rapid expansion of the Rashidun Caliphate into the Levant.

 Aftermath 
The Battle of Yarmuk had significant repercussions, leading to the annexation of the Levant by the Rashidun Caliphate and weakening Byzantine influence in the region. The battle is considered one of the most decisive in military history.

 References 

Category:636
Category:Byzantine Empire
Category:History of Syria