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 | | A History of Byzantium (Blackwell History of the Ancient World) by Timothy Gregory ISBN-10: 9780631235132 ISBN-10: 0-631-23513-2 ISBN-13: 9780631235132 ISBN-13: 978-0-631-23513-2 Paperback 2005-03-11 Wiley-Blackwell Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description This book is a concise narrative of Byzantine history from the time of Constantine the Great (AD 306) to the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
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Reviews | ||
Too intense Too full of names and numbers to be useful to the casual reader interessted in Byzantium. It certainly is thourough, more appropriate as class room material. | ||
Ok book Ok book. Sailing from Byzantium is much better in my opinion. And to permafrost if you actually read the book the Byzantine empire was considered "christian" not "greek". You need to read you poor feeble minded g(r)eek. | ||
An Overall Beautiful Book A well written, professional and easy to understand book about the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire AKA Empire Of The Greeks). Great Author, Great Book, easily one of the better written and informative books on the topic. | ||
An examplary history of Byzantium This book will serve to show to the wider public what a high level Byzantine Studies have finally reached. They have gone a long way from Gibbon's polemics (informed more by prejudice than facts and sound analysis) to become the highly sophisticated and interesting subject Timothy Gregory showcases in this book. The book covers the period from 306 to 1453. It is interesting to note that Gregory sets the formal beginning of the Byzantine period at 306 rather than any of the more usual later dates. This allows for a better examination of the context within which Byzantium developed. On the other hand, Early Byzantine Period is here defined to be the period between 306-717, which is longer than that considered by other historians who often divide it into shorter periods. This is not just a technical point. It has to do with the controversial issue of the way the character of the Empire gradualy evolved (antique, Christian, "Byzantine" etc.). Allowing such a long time span for the Early Period acknowledges the complex nature of this evolution. The first turning point in the history of Byzantium, namely the migrations of the 7th-8th centuries, is treated in an examplary fashion in the book, once again showing the maturity the subject has reached. Frequently exploited for political reasons in the Modern Era by an amazing variety of agents (including even the Communists during the Cold War!), this matter has been until recently presented in the most sensational and emotional way. Gregory though gives a dispassionate and rational account with more emphasis on cultural rather than less relevant ethnic issues. The conclusions of his approach will no doubt disappoint those who expect evidence of apocalyptic events and discontinuities which simply is not there. The second turning point (the sack of Constantinople in 1204) is also presented in a rational and impartial manner. Without being unduly apologetic on behalf of the West, the book examines the serious consequences this event has had for the future of the Empire, including the acceleration of the tendencies towards its transformation into something like a Greek "nation-state". I warmly recommend this book to everyone interested in Byzantium, Rome or simply European History! | ||