Tiberius II Constantine vs Umar

Tiberius II was known for his generosity, reducing taxes, distributing money to the poor, and remitting debts. He spent lavishly on public works and charity, earning him the epithet 'friend of the poor.' However, his spending depleted the treasury that Anastasius I had accumulated.

Tiberius II Constantine was proclaimed emperor by the Byzantine Senate and people after the death of Justin II. He was chosen for his popularity and reputation for generosity. His accession was marked by a distribution of gold to the people and a remission of taxes.

Tiberius II led campaigns against the Avars and Slavs who were raiding the Balkans. He achieved some successes, including the recapture of Sirmium in 582, but the Avars continued to pose a threat. His military efforts were hampered by limited resources and the ongoing war with Persia.

Tiberius II died after a short illness, having named the general Maurice as his successor. He married Maurice to his daughter Constantina and elevated him to co-emperor before his death. This ensured a smooth transition of power and continued the dynasty.

Umar ibn al-Khattab became the second caliph after Abu Bakr's death. His ten-year reign saw the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire, including the conquest of the Sassanid Empire and Byzantine territories in the Levant and Egypt.

Umar's forces, led by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, defeated the Sassanid army at the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah in 636. This victory led to the Muslim conquest of Iraq and later the fall of the Sassanid capital Ctesiphon, ending Persian imperial rule.

Umar's generals, including Khalid ibn al-Walid and Amr ibn al-As, conquered Byzantine Syria after the Battle of Yarmouk (636) and Egypt after the surrender of Babylon Fortress (641). These conquests added vast territories to the caliphate.

Umar instituted the Hijri calendar, dating from the migration (Hijra) of Muhammad to Medina in 622. This calendar became the standard for the Islamic world, used for religious and administrative purposes.

Umar was stabbed by a Persian slave named Abu Lu'lu'a while leading prayers in Medina. He died three days later, having appointed a council to elect his successor. His death marked the end of the first phase of rapid expansion.