The word "side by side" king of the Tang Dynasty

In early July, the weather gradually became hot, and the Tang Army, which had completely surrounded the Thracian Military District, finally began its final offensive.

The expedition was not easy. Li Jing wanted to resolve the war within a month and then lead the army back to the DPRK, because the longer the delay was, the closer it would be to winter, which would be very unfavorable for the army's return.

It must be said that Heraclius was a talented and strategic emperor, and his military ability was not weak. The Tang army encountered unprecedented stubborn resistance in the Thrace Military District.

But unfortunately, he faced Li Jing and Su Dingfang. Their military talents were more outstanding than his, and their Tang army was much more elite than the Byzantine Empire's army.

The fall of the Thracian Military District and the continuous defeat of the Byzantine Imperial Army were the inevitable results. There was no comparison between the two sides. As the Tang Army continued to advance, the land that the Byzantine Imperial Army could hold was also shrinking.

This was a life-and-death war. Due to the terrain of the Byzantine Empire, there were mostly plains, so Heraclius tried to use heavy cavalry to defeat the Tang army.

But when it comes to heavy cavalry, the Tang army can be said to be unparalleled in the world. The reputation of the Tang Dynasty cavalry is spread all over the world. Although there is no such heavy unit as heavy cavalry in this Western Expedition, the Tang army has many ways to deal with heavy cavalry. It can be said that Be experienced.

It is true that the heavy cavalry is the king on the battlefield. Once they attack, they will crush all the enemy forces in front of them with the momentum of landslides and tsunamis. This feeling of being indomitable and unstoppable can make all generals feel obsessed.

But the disadvantages are the most serious among all arms, that is, the horses they sit on, the long speed-up time, and the difficulty in turning, etc.

The 100,000 heavy cavalry sent by Heraclius in an ambush were toyed to death by the Tang army like a cat playing with a mouse, and could not even touch the hem of the latter's clothes.

After being dodged by the Tang army's long-awaited charge, the 100,000 heavy cavalry became a target.

Don't think that heavy cavalry can turn into ordinary soldiers after dismounting. This is feasible in normal times, but after a charge, the threat of heavy cavalry is zero.

The armor of the heavy cavalry is extremely heavy, which consumes a lot of physical strength of the wearer. Even when mounting the horse, they need help from someone to get up. After a charge, their physical strength is almost exhausted. How can they dismount to fight?

Heavy cavalry is an extreme unit. If the charge cannot wipe out the enemy, then they will be the ones who die.

Therefore, how to use heavy cavalry, how to cooperate with other arms, when to attack, etc. all need to pay attention to skills, so as to maximize its power.

It's a pity that Heraclius didn't know this, or that Western countries don't pay attention to these. When it comes to the art of war, China is the real ancestor.

The fall of one hundred thousand heavy cavalry was almost the last straw that overwhelmed the Byzantine Empire. The entire front was completely defeated. In the end, they could only rely on the remaining one hundred thousand defeated soldiers to retreat to the royal city of Constantinople.

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Constantinople, Royal Palace.

Heraclius was lying on the table. There were empty wine jars around him and on the table. He himself was full of wine and drunk.

After learning that the 100,000 heavy cavalry that had placed his last hope had all been destroyed, he began to drink away his sorrow.

One hundred thousand heavy cavalry was definitely an important force that could turn the battlefield, but it still failed. He had lost all hope.

Now that Constantinople is under siege, all supplies of food and grass are cut off. Even if the Tang army does not launch an attack, the food and grass in the city will only be enough to last for a month. After that, the army will face the terrible situation of no food and grass, and will be defeated without a fight.

Tomorrow the Tang army would launch a general attack. After learning about this, more than one senator met with him and wanted him to surrender in Kaicheng. Even Pope Salaka was so frightened that he wanted to launch a rebellion and capture him in exchange for his life.

But without exception, these people were all killed by him.

"If the empire falls, you will all be buried with it!"

Heraclius laughed heartily and threw the wine jar in his hand, smashing it to the ground and smashing it into pieces. When the

Byzantine Empire fell, he did not hate the Tang Dynasty or the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. What he hated was the church and the country. Corrupt aristocratic forces!

This is what national wars are all about. If he wants to overthrow the Tang Dynasty, he must be prepared to be overthrown by the other party. If he is not as strong as others, he can blame no one.

But those corrupt aristocratic forces and churches are like vampires. Sucking blood from the empire slowed the growth of this huge giant, which he hated deeply.

During his reign, he had been trying to find ways to eliminate these shortcomings, but he did not expect that he would now accomplish it with the help of the Tang Dynasty.

How ironic

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The next day, outside Constantinople.

The mighty and solemn troops of the Tang Dynasty approached the city, their flags covered the sky, and everyone stood silently. The momentum generated by the army of more than 500,000 people made people feel a suffocating pressure.

When the defenders of Constantinople saw such a scene, their faces turned pale. How could they still have any fighting spirit? Some soldiers were so frightened that they collapsed to the ground and could no longer hold their weapons.

In front of the Ten Thousand Army Formation, Li Jing stood up with his sword drawn, looked directly at Constantinople, and coldly ordered:"Attack the whole army! Flatten Constantinople!"

The sound was like spring thunder exploding, and the heavy drums beat one after another. There was a sound, and the half-million-strong army moved upon hearing the sound, and charged like a black torrent!

The sky-wide rain of arrows and gunpowder barrels were also thrown at the city wall!

In front of the Tang army, nothing can stop them! Even the impregnable Constantinople is just a small boat in this torrent!

The defenders of Constantinople had long been frightened by the momentum of the Tang army. Coupled with the suppression of gunpowder barrels and rain of arrows, there was a howling sound on the city wall, and they could not organize resistance at all.

Not long after, Yuchi Gong was the first to lead his army to attack the city wall, and then quickly cleared all the enemy troops and opened the city gate to welcome the army!

After the army entered the city, one part fought with the defenders, and the other part directly attacked the palace and captured Heraclius.

When Li Jing led the army to the palace, there were no guards in the palace. Emperor Heraclius was sitting alone on the golden throne, holding a wine jar and looking at the many enemy troops.

"What a powerful army. I really envy Emperor Tang. Heraclius glanced at the astonishing Tang Army soldiers and sighed. Finally, he cast his eyes on Li Jing and said with a smile:"You are the Tang Army general who defeated me, right?" I admire your talent very much, but you can't take my life!"

After saying this, he suddenly laughed, pulled out a sharp blade inlaid with many gems placed beside him, and wiped it on his neck without hesitation.

Heraclius fell weakly on the throne, The vitality gradually disappeared.

A generation of great emperors died.

The Byzantine Empire was destroyed!

Since then, the Tang Dynasty has become the first super empire in history to span the three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa!