Includes bibliographical references (p. 301-354) and index.

Challenges of the subject and the sources -- Historiographical hurdles -- Fragmented geographical and logistical realities -- Christian contexts in seventh-century North Africa -- The military heritage of Heraclius on the eve of Muslim military operations -- The shock of Sbeitla -- Options for offensives and resistance -- The riddle of Constans II -- Muslim interests, calculations, and leadership -- The shift to tribal resistance, 669-95 -- The fall of Carthage and its aftermath, 695-711 -- The failures of two cities of Constantine.

"Who 'lost' Christian North Africa? Who won it and how? Walter Kaegi takes a fresh look at these perennial questions, with maps and on-site observations, in this exciting new book. Persisting clouds of suspicion and blame overshadowed many Byzantine attempts to defend North Africa, as Byzantines failed to meet the multiple challenges from different directions which ultimately overwhelmed them. While the Muslims forcefully and permanently turned Byzantine internal dynastic and religious problems and military unrest to their advantage, they brought their own strengths to a dynamic process that would take a long time to complete - the transformation of North Africa. An impartial comparative framework helps to sort through identity politics, 'Orientalism' charges and counter-charges, and institutional controversies; this book also includes a new study of the decisive battle of Sbeitla in 647, helping readers to understand what befell Byzantium, and indeed empires from Rome to the present"--