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Unfamiliarized Conflicts in Antiquity and Middle Ages: Lengthy Battles That Echo in the Shadows of Popular History

Prolonged conflicts spanning numerous centuries mark a significant part of history, with several wars lasting exceptionally long periods.

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Prolonged conflicts that are etched in history and spanning multiple centuries define some of the...
Prolonged conflicts that are etched in history and spanning multiple centuries define some of the lengthiest wars known to mankind.

Longest Wars in Ancient and Medieval History, Unfiltered and Unapologetic

Get ready to dive into the longest, most "interesting" wars that have plagued humanity since the dawn of civilization. You're bound to be surprised by the sheer duration and magnitude of these conflicts. Let's get rolling!

10. Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC)

First up is a classic war ripped straight from the pages of ancient Greek history - collisions between Athens and Sparta. These pesky city-states just couldn't get along, despite it all leading to chaos and destruction. Thankfully for Sparta, they had Persian reinforcements to help crush Athens once and for all in the final battle.

9. Greco-Persian Wars (499-449 BC)

Oh boy, do we have some battles for you! The Greco-Persian Wars saw epic showdowns, such as the Battle of Marathon and Thermopylae. The Persian Empire had its sights set on expanding westwards, which naturally led to resistance from the Greek states. And lets them fight for over fifty years! Eventually, the Persians were forced to retreat back to Asia Minor.

8. Seleucid-Parthia War (238 BC - 129 BC)

This lengthy conflict kicked off after the division of Alexander the Great's empire and the establishment of the Seleucid Empire. As you could've guessed, it wasn't long before Parthia, one of the successor states, declared independence and the war ensued. The Parthians ended up landing the final blow that led to the fall of the Seleucid Empire and the rise of the Parthian Empire.

7. Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)

The Hundred Years' War? How about the HUNDRED YEARS' WAR! You might be thinking, "Oh, that was just a disagreement over who was the rightful heir to the throne." Um, no. This bloody conflict, which lasted over a century, included constant conflicts and incursions between English and French forces. The French finally managed to kick the Brits out of Bordeaux in 1453 after a long, hard slog.

6. Punic Wars (264-146 BC)

Now, I reckon you've heard of the Punic Wars before, but have you ever considered just how long they really dragged on? This three-part series of battles between Rome and Carthage lasted 43 years and resulted in the destruction of Carthage as a powerful city-state. Rome's navy was the key to their success, allowing them to maintain their stranglehold on the Mediterranean.

5. Byzantine-Ottoman War (1265-1479)

Another long-lasting brawl was the lasting rivalry between the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. This battle stretched on for over two hundred years as the Ottomans conquered more and more of the Byzantine territory. Eventually, the Ottomans captured Constantinople, leading to the end of the Byzantine Empire.

4. Byzantine-Seljuq War (1048-1308)

This centuries-long battle between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks flared up repeatedly over the years. The territories claimed and lost by both sides during these 260 years had a significant impact on the power and strength of the Byzantine Empire. Byzantium's later involvement in the Crusades further weakened their hold, eventually leading to their downfall.

3. Byzantine-Arab Wars (780-1180)

You didn't really think the Byzantine Empire only fought one long war, did you? This conflict between the Byzantines and various Muslim states lasted for around 400 years and resulted in the loss of numerous important territories for Byzantium. Overall, these sustained wars impacted the economic and military strength of the empire.

2. Persian-Roman Wars (92 BC - AD 627)

This whopper of a conflict raged on for over seven hundred years, involving the Roman Republic, Roman Empire, Byzantium and the Parthian and Sasanian Empires. These battles pitted the Greco-Roman world against two consecutive Persian Empires. In the end, neither side emerged victorious, as both collapsed due to the Arab Muslim Conquests.

1. Iberian Religious War (711-1492)

Last but not least, we have the longest war in human history, the Iberian Religious War. This religious conflict raged for a staggering 781 years on the modern-day territory of Spain. Starting with the Ummayad Conquest of Hispania in 711, Muslim rule lasted for centuries before giving way to Christian rule in 1492. The Spanish Inquisition, expulsion of Muslims and Jews, and cultural exchange were all part of the complex tapestry of this lengthy conflict.

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[1] Byzantine-Arab Wars

[2] Hundred Years' War

[3] Punic Wars

[4] Reconquista

[5] Seleucid-Parthia War

  1. Despite the end of ancient civilization, the historical chronicles echo with the prolonged series of wars and conflicts that continued to shape the political landscape well into the medieval era, such as the Iberian Religious War that spanned from 711 to 1492.
  2. Amidst the tumultuous history of war-and-conflicts, the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) and the Punic Wars (264-146 BC) still stand out, not only for their enduring magnitude but also for their profound impact on the history of warfare and politics in Europe and the Mediterranean.

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