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The Edinburgh History of Rome
From Rome to Byzantium AD 363 to 565: The Transformation of Ancient Rome
The final dramatic centuries of Roman history
Between the deaths of the Emperors Julian (363) and Justinian (565), the Roman Empire underwent momentous changes. Most obviously, control of the west was lost to barbarian groups during the fifth century, and although parts were recovered by Justinian, the empire's centre of gravity shifted irrevocably to the east, with its focal point now the city of Constantinople. Equally important was the increasing dominance of Christianity not only in religious life, but also in politics, society and culture. Doug Lee charts these and other significant developments which contributed to the transformation of ancient Rome and its empire into Byzantium and the early medieval west. By emphasising the resilience of the east during late antiquity and the continuing vitality of urban life and the economy, this volume offers an alternative perspective to the traditional paradigm of decline and fall. Key
• Provides a clear analytical narrative of pivotal political, military, and religious developments
• Complements this with an examination of overarching trends in urban life and the economy
• Gives particular attention to the dynamics of political and religious power and of Roman-barbarian relations during the fifth century Late Antiquity, Late Roman Empire, Fall of the Empire, Early Byzantine Empire, barbarians, Goths, vandals, Theodosius, Justinian
Between the deaths of the Emperors Julian (363) and Justinian (565), the Roman Empire underwent momentous changes. Most obviously, control of the west was lost to barbarian groups during the fifth century, and although parts were recovered by Justinian, the empire's centre of gravity shifted irrevocably to the east, with its focal point now the city of Constantinople. Equally important was the increasing dominance of Christianity not only in religious life, but also in politics, society and culture. Doug Lee charts these and other significant developments which contributed to the transformation of ancient Rome and its empire into Byzantium and the early medieval west. By emphasising the resilience of the east during late antiquity and the continuing vitality of urban life and the economy, this volume offers an alternative perspective to the traditional paradigm of decline and fall. Key
• Provides a clear analytical narrative of pivotal political, military, and religious developments
• Complements this with an examination of overarching trends in urban life and the economy
• Gives particular attention to the dynamics of political and religious power and of Roman-barbarian relations during the fifth century Late Antiquity, Late Roman Empire, Fall of the Empire, Early Byzantine Empire, barbarians, Goths, vandals, Theodosius, Justinian
- GenresHistory
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 1, 2025
This book is part of the Edinburgh University series covering various aspects of the Roman empire. This volume covers the end of the Western empire and emergence of Byzantium and includes chapters on various themes. I'm not sure who this book is aimed at, I presume Sixth form/undergraduates, serves the purpose as a text book but otherwise it lacks verve or any degree of interest really and is frankly dull.
Not recommended.
Not recommended.
December 9, 2022
partially read about 25%
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews