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Very Short Introductions #437
Byzantium: A Very Short Introduction
After surviving the fifth century fall of the Western European Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire flourished as one of the most powerful economic, cultural, and military forces in Europe for a thousand years.
In this Very Short Introduction Peter Sarris introduces the reader to the unique fusion of Roman political culture, Greek intellectual tradition and Christian faith that took place in the imperial capital of Byzantium under the emperor Constantine and his heirs. Using examples from Byzantine architecture, art and literature, Sarris shows how their legacy was re-worked and re-invented in the centuries ahead, in the face of external challenges and threats. Charting the impact of warfare with the Persian and Islamic worlds to the east, Sarris explores the creativity of Byzantine statecraft and strategy, as well as the empire's repeated (but ultimately forlorn) attempts to enlist aid from the Christian powers of Western Europe to ensure its survival.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
In this Very Short Introduction Peter Sarris introduces the reader to the unique fusion of Roman political culture, Greek intellectual tradition and Christian faith that took place in the imperial capital of Byzantium under the emperor Constantine and his heirs. Using examples from Byzantine architecture, art and literature, Sarris shows how their legacy was re-worked and re-invented in the centuries ahead, in the face of external challenges and threats. Charting the impact of warfare with the Persian and Islamic worlds to the east, Sarris explores the creativity of Byzantine statecraft and strategy, as well as the empire's repeated (but ultimately forlorn) attempts to enlist aid from the Christian powers of Western Europe to ensure its survival.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
142 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 11, 2024
1000 years of complexity
🌕 I suppose the most fascinating aspect of 1000 years of Byzantium, so far as I’m concerned, is the intermingling of Jew, Christian and Muslim. It wasn’t always warfare that defined their three-way relationship. This book deals with that, and with art and literature and faith, not just battles. There is much to learn that is of benefit to us in the 21st century. If we’d only learn to listen to history.
I have been to Constantinople, now Istanbul, and have entered beautiful Hagia Sofia. I saw the imprint where a cross had last hung 800 years ago on an obscure wall. Just the dark imprint. History. The permanent shadow gave me an eerie feeling.
🌕 I suppose the most fascinating aspect of 1000 years of Byzantium, so far as I’m concerned, is the intermingling of Jew, Christian and Muslim. It wasn’t always warfare that defined their three-way relationship. This book deals with that, and with art and literature and faith, not just battles. There is much to learn that is of benefit to us in the 21st century. If we’d only learn to listen to history.
I have been to Constantinople, now Istanbul, and have entered beautiful Hagia Sofia. I saw the imprint where a cross had last hung 800 years ago on an obscure wall. Just the dark imprint. History. The permanent shadow gave me an eerie feeling.
November 23, 2022
Number 437 in the 'A Very Short Introduction' series.
In 324 AD the Roman Emperor Constantine defeated the last of his foes, Licinius, at sea, in the vicinity of the ancient Greek settlement of Byzantion (Latin Byzantium) on the straits of the Bosphorus. In celebration of his victory, he renamed the city Konstantinoupolis Nea Rome the following year. Constantine was now the head of the Roman world and presided over it from Constantinople.
This book charts the history of the city from that time until it was overrun by the forces of the Ottoman Empire in 1453.
In 476 the last western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus was deposed by the Gothic general Odoacer leaving the eastern Empire to stand alone. This it did with various degrees of success thanks to Emperors of varying abilities.
Justinian I was Eastern Roman emperor from 527 to 565. His reign is marked by the partial recovery of the territories of the defunct Western Roman Empire including North Africa, southern Spain, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Italy, and Dalmatia. This was thanks to his brilliant general Belisarius who isn't mentioned in the book for some reason. Justinian also codified old Roman law and constructed great public buildings such as Hagia Sophia.
At the other extreme was Emperor Michael III (known as the drunkard) who befriended a clown and persuaded him to sit next to him in the imperial throne room dressed as the Patriarch of Constantinople. When the emperor's mother, Theodora, entered the room she duly knelt before the 'patriarch' and asked him to say a prayer on her behalf. The clown turned around and exposed his rear end. He then emitted what was described as 'a donkey-like noise from his foul entrails'.
In the 5th and 6th centuries there was a literary movement that meant most books were written in Attic Greek, the Greek of classical Athens. This meant that all books written in koine Greek were translated into Attic including the works of Plato, Herodotus, Thucydides, Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Aristotle. Without this translation the works of all those authors would have mostly been lost.
The one improvement I would add is to include a list of all the emperors of Byzantium in chronological order.
In 324 AD the Roman Emperor Constantine defeated the last of his foes, Licinius, at sea, in the vicinity of the ancient Greek settlement of Byzantion (Latin Byzantium) on the straits of the Bosphorus. In celebration of his victory, he renamed the city Konstantinoupolis Nea Rome the following year. Constantine was now the head of the Roman world and presided over it from Constantinople.
This book charts the history of the city from that time until it was overrun by the forces of the Ottoman Empire in 1453.
In 476 the last western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus was deposed by the Gothic general Odoacer leaving the eastern Empire to stand alone. This it did with various degrees of success thanks to Emperors of varying abilities.
Justinian I was Eastern Roman emperor from 527 to 565. His reign is marked by the partial recovery of the territories of the defunct Western Roman Empire including North Africa, southern Spain, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Italy, and Dalmatia. This was thanks to his brilliant general Belisarius who isn't mentioned in the book for some reason. Justinian also codified old Roman law and constructed great public buildings such as Hagia Sophia.
At the other extreme was Emperor Michael III (known as the drunkard) who befriended a clown and persuaded him to sit next to him in the imperial throne room dressed as the Patriarch of Constantinople. When the emperor's mother, Theodora, entered the room she duly knelt before the 'patriarch' and asked him to say a prayer on her behalf. The clown turned around and exposed his rear end. He then emitted what was described as 'a donkey-like noise from his foul entrails'.
In the 5th and 6th centuries there was a literary movement that meant most books were written in Attic Greek, the Greek of classical Athens. This meant that all books written in koine Greek were translated into Attic including the works of Plato, Herodotus, Thucydides, Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Aristotle. Without this translation the works of all those authors would have mostly been lost.
The one improvement I would add is to include a list of all the emperors of Byzantium in chronological order.
July 11, 2018
I've never thought I'd cross michrohistory off my PopSugar reading challenge, yet here we are. It's always lovely to (re)connect with your roots. Somethings I knew, few I heartily remembered and some details were completely new to me. Though I am by no means an expert, I rather enjoyed the author's insight and love over the things described. I've never tried reading history in a language other than my own, therefore, despite the struggles, it was rather interesting. All in all, this is a very reader-friendly book and rather informative for anyone who means to freshen up their memory.
May 12, 2025
a really good length summary and introduction to 1000 years of history. ( just a little disappointed there was nothing about Belisarius or cataphracts!)
December 23, 2016
Byzantium means East Roman. In the East, it learned to pragmatically live with its Islamic neighbors. The formula is: Byzantium = Roman + Greek + Christianity + the city of Constantine. The Russian Orthodox Church now calls itself the Third Rome (Constantinople being the Second Rome) – I’ve read better stuff on the Byzantine Empire within history books on Venice. This is a serviceable short history that could have easily been more interesting.
October 9, 2019
An excellent little book that somehow manages to squeeze in the span of the Byzantine Empire, and major issues affecting it, without making you feel that you've missed anything out.
As a general overview it works exactly as intended, and manages to avoid dull lists of emperors to get to the heart of this remarkable civilization.
As a general overview it works exactly as intended, and manages to avoid dull lists of emperors to get to the heart of this remarkable civilization.
June 19, 2022
Oksfordzka seria „A Very Short Introduction” zajmuje istotne miejsce wśród publikacji tego czołowego brytyjskiego wydawnictwa akademickiego. Seria cieszy się dużym zainteresowaniem czytelników i obejmuje szeroką tematykę zagadnień nauk ścisłych, humanistycznych i społecznych.
W marcu 2022 roku w ręce polskiego czytelnika trafił 31 tom z serii poświęcony Bizancjum, za który na naszym rynku odpowiada Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego. Angielskie wydanie zostało przygotowane przez Petera Sarrisa, uznanego w świecie akademickim badacza dziejów gospodarczych i społecznych Cesarstwa Bizantyńskiego. Na język polski pracę przełożył Andrzej Kompa, łódzki badacz zajmujący się bizantyńską historiografią i historią społeczną.
Książka, zgodnie z założeniami serii, prezentuje skrótowy obraz historii i specyfiki kultury bizantyńskiej od czasów założenia Konstantynopola przez Konstantyna Wielkiego (IV wiek) po upadek Cesarstwa w 1453 roku. Narracja skupia się na najważniejszych wydarzeniach historii Bizancjum, specyfice religijno-kulturowej wewnątrz imperium oraz jego kontaktach ze światem zewnętrznym.
Na ponad stu stronach czytelnik otrzymuje zadowalającą porcję wiedzy koniecznej do zrozumienia wyjątkowości Cesarstwa Bizantyńskiego na tle dziejów średniowiecznych. Brytyjskiemu badaczowi udało się wydobyć z historii Bizancjum to co najbardziej wyjątkowe i interesujące a zarazem wartościowe poznawczo, choć jak bywa przy tego typu ujęciach syntetycznych, nie obyło się bez skrótów historiograficznych.
Warto dodać też kilka słów o polskim przygotowaniu pracy. Na pochwałę zasługuje dobre tłumaczenie dokonane przez Andrzeja Kompę. Narracja nie traci dynamiki oryginału, a wiele sformułowań zostało przetłumaczonych z należytą dbałością (tyczy się to również słownictwa starogreckiego). Warto zauważyć, że tekst polski otrzymał około 50 poprawek merytorycznych względem wersji anglojęzycznej. W warstwie edycyjnej leży także największa wada tej książki - mapy urozmaicające tekst są często zbyt małe, by móc je komfortowo czytać. Równie ważna uwaga tyczy się bibliografii załączonej na końcu książki. O ile jest ona niezwykle pożyteczna dla dalszej lektury i obejmuje najważniejsze prace anglojęzyczne, jak i te w języku polskim, o tyle edytorzy tomu nie zdecydowali się na oddzielenie źródeł od literatury pomocniczej. Rodzi to lekkie utrudnienia w korzystaniu z niej.
Podsumowując, recenzowana praca jest niezwykle ważną publikację bizantologiczną na polskim rynku wydawniczym. Uzupełnia ona lukę w polskim obiegu dzieł o charakterze stricte nieakademickim i wprowadzającym. Dzieło to jest znakomitym punktem wyjścia dla zainteresowanych poznawania dziejów i kultury Bizancjum. Jej krótka forma, przystępność treściowa, językowa i cenowa stanowi zachętę dla wszystkich profesjonalistów i amatorów historii.
W marcu 2022 roku w ręce polskiego czytelnika trafił 31 tom z serii poświęcony Bizancjum, za który na naszym rynku odpowiada Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego. Angielskie wydanie zostało przygotowane przez Petera Sarrisa, uznanego w świecie akademickim badacza dziejów gospodarczych i społecznych Cesarstwa Bizantyńskiego. Na język polski pracę przełożył Andrzej Kompa, łódzki badacz zajmujący się bizantyńską historiografią i historią społeczną.
Książka, zgodnie z założeniami serii, prezentuje skrótowy obraz historii i specyfiki kultury bizantyńskiej od czasów założenia Konstantynopola przez Konstantyna Wielkiego (IV wiek) po upadek Cesarstwa w 1453 roku. Narracja skupia się na najważniejszych wydarzeniach historii Bizancjum, specyfice religijno-kulturowej wewnątrz imperium oraz jego kontaktach ze światem zewnętrznym.
Na ponad stu stronach czytelnik otrzymuje zadowalającą porcję wiedzy koniecznej do zrozumienia wyjątkowości Cesarstwa Bizantyńskiego na tle dziejów średniowiecznych. Brytyjskiemu badaczowi udało się wydobyć z historii Bizancjum to co najbardziej wyjątkowe i interesujące a zarazem wartościowe poznawczo, choć jak bywa przy tego typu ujęciach syntetycznych, nie obyło się bez skrótów historiograficznych.
Warto dodać też kilka słów o polskim przygotowaniu pracy. Na pochwałę zasługuje dobre tłumaczenie dokonane przez Andrzeja Kompę. Narracja nie traci dynamiki oryginału, a wiele sformułowań zostało przetłumaczonych z należytą dbałością (tyczy się to również słownictwa starogreckiego). Warto zauważyć, że tekst polski otrzymał około 50 poprawek merytorycznych względem wersji anglojęzycznej. W warstwie edycyjnej leży także największa wada tej książki - mapy urozmaicające tekst są często zbyt małe, by móc je komfortowo czytać. Równie ważna uwaga tyczy się bibliografii załączonej na końcu książki. O ile jest ona niezwykle pożyteczna dla dalszej lektury i obejmuje najważniejsze prace anglojęzyczne, jak i te w języku polskim, o tyle edytorzy tomu nie zdecydowali się na oddzielenie źródeł od literatury pomocniczej. Rodzi to lekkie utrudnienia w korzystaniu z niej.
Podsumowując, recenzowana praca jest niezwykle ważną publikację bizantologiczną na polskim rynku wydawniczym. Uzupełnia ona lukę w polskim obiegu dzieł o charakterze stricte nieakademickim i wprowadzającym. Dzieło to jest znakomitym punktem wyjścia dla zainteresowanych poznawania dziejów i kultury Bizancjum. Jej krótka forma, przystępność treściowa, językowa i cenowa stanowi zachętę dla wszystkich profesjonalistów i amatorów historii.
July 3, 2024
Three fun facts:
- Disagreeing with council of Chalcedon / Nicea wasn't just religious, meant you disagreed with the emperor, i.e. it was a political stance too!
- Byzantines loved Ancient Greek scholarship so would deliberately use even 1000 year old dead attic Greek to write modern novels (e.g. us using Shakespearean language today) which kept attic Greek texts alive.
- they always thought of themselves as Roman (e.g. choosing Roman names even though they are middle eastern background) but the Persians called them Greeks, so identity crisis there, like third culture kids!
But only 3 stars as it just wasn't that smooth going, I mean it was 1000+ years of history to fit into 120ish pages, so it is a tough job!
- Disagreeing with council of Chalcedon / Nicea wasn't just religious, meant you disagreed with the emperor, i.e. it was a political stance too!
- Byzantines loved Ancient Greek scholarship so would deliberately use even 1000 year old dead attic Greek to write modern novels (e.g. us using Shakespearean language today) which kept attic Greek texts alive.
- they always thought of themselves as Roman (e.g. choosing Roman names even though they are middle eastern background) but the Persians called them Greeks, so identity crisis there, like third culture kids!
But only 3 stars as it just wasn't that smooth going, I mean it was 1000+ years of history to fit into 120ish pages, so it is a tough job!
November 1, 2022
While the book is a good starting point, it is severely lacking. First of all, the biggest issue that plagues it is, in my opinion, the fact that it can't make up its mind whether it's a history of the Byzantine empire or of the city of Byzantium during the Byzantine Empire. While it does cover a lot of points regarding Byzantine culture, its history is all over the place, making it hard to follow a clear, concise series of events.
Other than that, it's a great, concise introduction. Probably deserves 3.5 stars but I'll leave it at 3 because I had higher hopes for the history segment.
Other than that, it's a great, concise introduction. Probably deserves 3.5 stars but I'll leave it at 3 because I had higher hopes for the history segment.
November 20, 2020
Interesting overview of a often not well-known portion of world history.
May 1, 2022
The Tetrach system of Roman Empire (2 Augustus + 2 Caesars) gradually shifted the power east due to the threat of Persia. Constantine attributed victory to God, but the conversion wasn’t dramatic as there was already henotheism in place for solar god. Members of ruling class also converted to curry favor.
Earlier emperors were peripatetic due to need of warfare. Justinian made Constantinople the ruling city, built defense and aqua-duct. At peak, the population reached 500k though low was 40-70K only. It was known as new Jerusalem and many monasteries were built.
By 476, Odoacer sacked Rome, the west was now under Barbarian control. Some of them still payed lip service to the emperor in the east. Some of the wars the emperor fought were not popular, eventually leading to a civil war, which was exploited by Persian Shah to expand. In response, Emperor Heraclitus enlisted Caucasian forces to fight and eventually reached Ctesiphon. The Roman-Persian back and forth in Asia Minor eventually led natives to a revolt. Mohammad (meaning: the blessed one) captured a lot of territory and destroyed the 2-pole system. Byzantium was now smaller and less powerful, but the reform in administration made the emperor powerful.
Arab strength grew and even besieged Constantinople. Caliph denounced Christian veneration of icons, which led to iconoclasm inside Byzantium. Then it was Arab’s turn for civil war and the Abbisad dynasty moved to Baghdad as capital. Jihad against Byzantium was no longer priority. Soon, Byzantium went on offensive and controlled Armenia, Georgia, & Bulgaria c. 1000. They avoided prestigious targets in fear of uniting Arabs.
Lots of survival strategies used by the state as well as the emperors. Not all of them worked. Alexius, for example, succeeded in convincing the Pope to support a crusade to fight the Turks. But by the 4th crusade, Byzantium itself was sacked by the crusaders in 1204. This event made the easterners view westerners with unmitigated hostility. Byzantium always thought itself as Roman. Now, it started to assert Greek identity imposed on them from without. Roman Orthodox became Greek Orthodox. Even with waning power, art from Byzantium continued to be emulated in Russia and the Balkans.
One more power grew in Asian Minor: the Turks. By late Middle Ages, the Seljuk dynasty waned. Among the marcher lords one Osman gained power and took over Hungary and Macedonia and eventually encircled Constantinople. By the time of Mehmed II, the Ottoman Empire was very powerful The end for Byzantium came in 1453. Resistance was fierce until the city wall was felled. Emperor Constantine XI fought bravely. His body was never found. A large Orthodox population still existed inside the Ottoman Empire until a pogrom in 1960.
Earlier emperors were peripatetic due to need of warfare. Justinian made Constantinople the ruling city, built defense and aqua-duct. At peak, the population reached 500k though low was 40-70K only. It was known as new Jerusalem and many monasteries were built.
By 476, Odoacer sacked Rome, the west was now under Barbarian control. Some of them still payed lip service to the emperor in the east. Some of the wars the emperor fought were not popular, eventually leading to a civil war, which was exploited by Persian Shah to expand. In response, Emperor Heraclitus enlisted Caucasian forces to fight and eventually reached Ctesiphon. The Roman-Persian back and forth in Asia Minor eventually led natives to a revolt. Mohammad (meaning: the blessed one) captured a lot of territory and destroyed the 2-pole system. Byzantium was now smaller and less powerful, but the reform in administration made the emperor powerful.
Arab strength grew and even besieged Constantinople. Caliph denounced Christian veneration of icons, which led to iconoclasm inside Byzantium. Then it was Arab’s turn for civil war and the Abbisad dynasty moved to Baghdad as capital. Jihad against Byzantium was no longer priority. Soon, Byzantium went on offensive and controlled Armenia, Georgia, & Bulgaria c. 1000. They avoided prestigious targets in fear of uniting Arabs.
Lots of survival strategies used by the state as well as the emperors. Not all of them worked. Alexius, for example, succeeded in convincing the Pope to support a crusade to fight the Turks. But by the 4th crusade, Byzantium itself was sacked by the crusaders in 1204. This event made the easterners view westerners with unmitigated hostility. Byzantium always thought itself as Roman. Now, it started to assert Greek identity imposed on them from without. Roman Orthodox became Greek Orthodox. Even with waning power, art from Byzantium continued to be emulated in Russia and the Balkans.
One more power grew in Asian Minor: the Turks. By late Middle Ages, the Seljuk dynasty waned. Among the marcher lords one Osman gained power and took over Hungary and Macedonia and eventually encircled Constantinople. By the time of Mehmed II, the Ottoman Empire was very powerful The end for Byzantium came in 1453. Resistance was fierce until the city wall was felled. Emperor Constantine XI fought bravely. His body was never found. A large Orthodox population still existed inside the Ottoman Empire until a pogrom in 1960.
August 28, 2024
Insightful, comprehensive, and occasionally even vivid, a rare VSI.
Notes
Enlightenment-era Europe focuses on the Christian religiosity of Byzantium, ignoring its scientifically advanced society, giving it a skewed reputation. Montesquieu first to deplore Byzantium’s bureaucratic mess - Byzantine as an adjective.
Rome is conservative pagan - all must sacrifice to Capitoline Jove. Jews will not, but society understands given their much older religion, the empathy of conservatism. Christians, on the other hand, are upstarts their refusal is blasphemy to be persecuted.
After Valerian is captured and humiliated by Shapur I (Sassasids have taken over from Arsacids for 2 generations now), Rome promotes military leaders to the throne - Diocletian creates the Tetrarchy, 2 Augustus (West and East) and 2 junior Caesars. Stays in the East to be nearer the troubled frontiers of Persia and the Danube.
Rome’s provincial governors report to the ultimate authority, the senate, and Augustus while elevating himself as Imperator, keeps the administrative structures otherwise intact with him at the top of the senate. Rome rules through cities, poleis, in the provinces, and military leaders increase number of provinces while reducing their power.
He abdicates (first ever) along with the West Maximius, and successor Constantius dies in Britain. Instead of his jr Caesar - Severus - his son claims. Constantine sees a cross in his dream, converts, and wins.
Constantine conversion is a logical extension, not a break. A form of polytheism called Henotheism (many gods, but one supreme) reigns in Rome, with the sun-cults like Mithras and Sol Invictus especially popular among the military. With Christianity also positioned as a sun-cult, its borders with Sol Invictus become permeable.
Grants of land in Constantinople seal the administrative elite, Byzantium becomes the new Rome that combines the political identity of Rome, the high culture of Greece, and Christianity with the loyalty towards the city of Constantinople.
Blues and Greens the largest of 4 circus factions useful as link to people, armed militia, but also lead to the Nika revolts where Justinian egged on by Theodora wife massacres 30,000 in the Hippodrome.
Justinian Plague during height of Constantinople’s population of 500k. Mass graves outside the city, and dumped into the harbor at the Golden Horn, depopulation of the area until 11th century Venetian traders.
Greek/Roman belief of separation of living (polis) from dead (necropolis) changed by Christian veneration of dead saints, martyrs. Next plagues bodies buried within the walls.
Recasting institutions, dismantling offices like Praetorian Prefect etc, imperial administration increasingly concentrated within the palace.
476 Romulus Augustulus (little Augustus) deposed by Gothic general Odoacer who messages Constantinipople signalling the end of Western Rome. Autonomous Kingdoms spring up in Italy, Spain, Gaul and Africa under hte Goths, Franks, Burgundians and Vandals.
Avars/Slavs from Balkans, Persians from East. Military pay halved, cities/churches denuded for funds. Maurice tells Danube army to fight over the winter - coup d’etat by officer Phocas who murders Maurice/family and becomes Emperor. Persians make inroads in Syria, Caucasus so son of Africa governor Heraclius sails to Constantinople, deposes Phocas. Loses Syria and Jerusalem to Khusro II, offers fealty but ambassadors killed, launches counterattack through Caucasus with Turk allies, sacks Ctesiphon. Khusro is murdered. Roman Empire restored in the East.
Umayyad caliphate based in Damascus replaced by eastern-frontier powerhouse Abassid that shifts capital east to Bahgdad, lessening pressure on Byzantium borders. Divisions also arise in rest of caliphate, with Umayyad loyalists in Africa/Iberia.
By 11th century, Byzantium has restored its borders to its 6th century peak (Justinian), including Caucasus, Greece, Balkans, Sicily, testament to its enduring statecraft and administration. Becomes dynastic with Basil ‘the Macedonian’ - Macedonian Renaissance as a political statement to rival the Renaissance of Carolingians and the Abassid court.
Seljuks take over from Abassids, take Antioch, Nicaea. Alexius appeals to Pope Urban II for military aid, as heart of Christendom. 60,000 westerners move through Constantinople to fight the muslims, first wave of nobodies gets crushed. French knights take Nicaea, push on to Antioch, fail. Norman adventurer Bohemond takes Antioch against Alexius wishes, and then continues to Jerusalem. For Byzantines, Constantinople is the new-Jerusalem, no intention of taking it and uniting muslim jihad. Jerusalem becomes an independent Latin kingdom under crusader control.
Comnenian emperors court mercantile Italian city states of Venice, Amalfi to bolster navy, dramatic increase of Italians in the Golden Horn. German emperors, crusaders, italian merchants all get tied up with Byzantium politics when Angeloi deposes Comnenoi in 1185. So Fourth Crusade, initially directed at Egypt, rerouted to Constantinople to help Alexius V regain the throne, but then not paid so sack the city and establish own regime under Count Baldwin of Flanders.
Byzantine elite set to revive the Second Sophistic (flowering of Attic Greek literature in Roman Empire), along with rules of rhetoric - so Byzantine literature became a distorting mirror, presenting an Atticized view of a profoundly unclassical world.
Western world uncomfortably needs to justify Latin sack - furta sacra - the sacred theft of various statues, relics, art to Venice and other parts of West. East set against them, confirming the earlier schism of Western Pope vs Patriarch of Constantinople. Michael VIII Palaiologus drives them out from his base in Nicaea, but Empire is nonetheless splintered, with Comnenian base in Trabzon, Latin feudal lords in Greece, independent kingdom of Epirus.
Need to use guile to fight the Franks. ‘Sicilian Vespers’ of 1282, sponsor the Aragonese invasion of Sicily so Charles of Anjou cannot reinvade Constantinople. Revived Greek pride sends literature to its heights, and Byzantine religious art reaches its climax, with an emphasis on narrative scenes - like the frescoes and mosaics of the monastic church of Chora (now Kariye museum).
Seljuks wane, the jihad against the Christians of Rum passes to the religiously motivated local marcher lords of ghazis (defenders of the faith), whose autonomy grows when Seljuks beaten by Mongols in 1243. Dynasty of Osman, Orhan and Murad I expand into Byzantium from North West Anatolia. In 1354, capture Gallipoli, Macedonia, Bulgaria. 1389, take Serbia at battle of Kosovo. 1396 Muslim Turks defeat crusader army at battle of Nicopolis, Bayezid I pushes into Hungary.
Manuel II Palaiologus again seeks aid from West, but blocked by Byzantine Church. John VIII concedes to western demand of accepting papal supremacy, denounced by Orthodox rulers of Russia who will then claim to be true heirs of Constantine, Moscow as the Third Rome.
1402 battle of Ankara, Mongols beat Ottomans, civil war between sons of Bayezid I leads to Mehmed I reestablishing Ottoman Empire. Guns and cannon have arrived. Mehmed II against Constantine XI in 1453 siege. Takes ancient imperial title of basileus. Orthodox Patriarchate restored and charged with leadership over Greek Orthodox subjects, based in Fanar district, hence called Phanariots.
Notes
Enlightenment-era Europe focuses on the Christian religiosity of Byzantium, ignoring its scientifically advanced society, giving it a skewed reputation. Montesquieu first to deplore Byzantium’s bureaucratic mess - Byzantine as an adjective.
Rome is conservative pagan - all must sacrifice to Capitoline Jove. Jews will not, but society understands given their much older religion, the empathy of conservatism. Christians, on the other hand, are upstarts their refusal is blasphemy to be persecuted.
After Valerian is captured and humiliated by Shapur I (Sassasids have taken over from Arsacids for 2 generations now), Rome promotes military leaders to the throne - Diocletian creates the Tetrarchy, 2 Augustus (West and East) and 2 junior Caesars. Stays in the East to be nearer the troubled frontiers of Persia and the Danube.
Rome’s provincial governors report to the ultimate authority, the senate, and Augustus while elevating himself as Imperator, keeps the administrative structures otherwise intact with him at the top of the senate. Rome rules through cities, poleis, in the provinces, and military leaders increase number of provinces while reducing their power.
He abdicates (first ever) along with the West Maximius, and successor Constantius dies in Britain. Instead of his jr Caesar - Severus - his son claims. Constantine sees a cross in his dream, converts, and wins.
Constantine conversion is a logical extension, not a break. A form of polytheism called Henotheism (many gods, but one supreme) reigns in Rome, with the sun-cults like Mithras and Sol Invictus especially popular among the military. With Christianity also positioned as a sun-cult, its borders with Sol Invictus become permeable.
Grants of land in Constantinople seal the administrative elite, Byzantium becomes the new Rome that combines the political identity of Rome, the high culture of Greece, and Christianity with the loyalty towards the city of Constantinople.
Blues and Greens the largest of 4 circus factions useful as link to people, armed militia, but also lead to the Nika revolts where Justinian egged on by Theodora wife massacres 30,000 in the Hippodrome.
Justinian Plague during height of Constantinople’s population of 500k. Mass graves outside the city, and dumped into the harbor at the Golden Horn, depopulation of the area until 11th century Venetian traders.
Greek/Roman belief of separation of living (polis) from dead (necropolis) changed by Christian veneration of dead saints, martyrs. Next plagues bodies buried within the walls.
Recasting institutions, dismantling offices like Praetorian Prefect etc, imperial administration increasingly concentrated within the palace.
476 Romulus Augustulus (little Augustus) deposed by Gothic general Odoacer who messages Constantinipople signalling the end of Western Rome. Autonomous Kingdoms spring up in Italy, Spain, Gaul and Africa under hte Goths, Franks, Burgundians and Vandals.
Avars/Slavs from Balkans, Persians from East. Military pay halved, cities/churches denuded for funds. Maurice tells Danube army to fight over the winter - coup d’etat by officer Phocas who murders Maurice/family and becomes Emperor. Persians make inroads in Syria, Caucasus so son of Africa governor Heraclius sails to Constantinople, deposes Phocas. Loses Syria and Jerusalem to Khusro II, offers fealty but ambassadors killed, launches counterattack through Caucasus with Turk allies, sacks Ctesiphon. Khusro is murdered. Roman Empire restored in the East.
Umayyad caliphate based in Damascus replaced by eastern-frontier powerhouse Abassid that shifts capital east to Bahgdad, lessening pressure on Byzantium borders. Divisions also arise in rest of caliphate, with Umayyad loyalists in Africa/Iberia.
By 11th century, Byzantium has restored its borders to its 6th century peak (Justinian), including Caucasus, Greece, Balkans, Sicily, testament to its enduring statecraft and administration. Becomes dynastic with Basil ‘the Macedonian’ - Macedonian Renaissance as a political statement to rival the Renaissance of Carolingians and the Abassid court.
Seljuks take over from Abassids, take Antioch, Nicaea. Alexius appeals to Pope Urban II for military aid, as heart of Christendom. 60,000 westerners move through Constantinople to fight the muslims, first wave of nobodies gets crushed. French knights take Nicaea, push on to Antioch, fail. Norman adventurer Bohemond takes Antioch against Alexius wishes, and then continues to Jerusalem. For Byzantines, Constantinople is the new-Jerusalem, no intention of taking it and uniting muslim jihad. Jerusalem becomes an independent Latin kingdom under crusader control.
Comnenian emperors court mercantile Italian city states of Venice, Amalfi to bolster navy, dramatic increase of Italians in the Golden Horn. German emperors, crusaders, italian merchants all get tied up with Byzantium politics when Angeloi deposes Comnenoi in 1185. So Fourth Crusade, initially directed at Egypt, rerouted to Constantinople to help Alexius V regain the throne, but then not paid so sack the city and establish own regime under Count Baldwin of Flanders.
Byzantine elite set to revive the Second Sophistic (flowering of Attic Greek literature in Roman Empire), along with rules of rhetoric - so Byzantine literature became a distorting mirror, presenting an Atticized view of a profoundly unclassical world.
Western world uncomfortably needs to justify Latin sack - furta sacra - the sacred theft of various statues, relics, art to Venice and other parts of West. East set against them, confirming the earlier schism of Western Pope vs Patriarch of Constantinople. Michael VIII Palaiologus drives them out from his base in Nicaea, but Empire is nonetheless splintered, with Comnenian base in Trabzon, Latin feudal lords in Greece, independent kingdom of Epirus.
Need to use guile to fight the Franks. ‘Sicilian Vespers’ of 1282, sponsor the Aragonese invasion of Sicily so Charles of Anjou cannot reinvade Constantinople. Revived Greek pride sends literature to its heights, and Byzantine religious art reaches its climax, with an emphasis on narrative scenes - like the frescoes and mosaics of the monastic church of Chora (now Kariye museum).
Seljuks wane, the jihad against the Christians of Rum passes to the religiously motivated local marcher lords of ghazis (defenders of the faith), whose autonomy grows when Seljuks beaten by Mongols in 1243. Dynasty of Osman, Orhan and Murad I expand into Byzantium from North West Anatolia. In 1354, capture Gallipoli, Macedonia, Bulgaria. 1389, take Serbia at battle of Kosovo. 1396 Muslim Turks defeat crusader army at battle of Nicopolis, Bayezid I pushes into Hungary.
Manuel II Palaiologus again seeks aid from West, but blocked by Byzantine Church. John VIII concedes to western demand of accepting papal supremacy, denounced by Orthodox rulers of Russia who will then claim to be true heirs of Constantine, Moscow as the Third Rome.
1402 battle of Ankara, Mongols beat Ottomans, civil war between sons of Bayezid I leads to Mehmed I reestablishing Ottoman Empire. Guns and cannon have arrived. Mehmed II against Constantine XI in 1453 siege. Takes ancient imperial title of basileus. Orthodox Patriarchate restored and charged with leadership over Greek Orthodox subjects, based in Fanar district, hence called Phanariots.
July 15, 2022
This succinct book explains clearly that so-called Byzantium should be understood as the continuation of the Roman Empire after the fall of its western half. Its sophisticated statecraft led to its survival in spite of its formidable neighbours, first the Persians then the Arabs, but also the Eurasian nomads and western kingdoms. Only through this perspective can one comprehend its theological trajectories (e.g. the Nestorian controversy and the icon debate) and internal contradictions (e.g. the struggle between the imperial and the aristocracy). The Latin sack of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade spelt the beginning of its end. The Ottomans finished it off. Its myriad vestiges and legacies, however, can still be palpable in our modern world. This small book even manages to squeeze in a chapter on the urban topography of Constantinople, and another one on Byzantine cultural and intellectual life. Four stars for its clarity and organisation.
March 1, 2020
Given the 'busy' times we leave in, where devouring huge historical tomes is becoming - and God forbid - an 'abomination'; one can't be more thankful for pithy books like this gem. I learnt a few things about the fallen empire, and hence a few things about the world we live in. The Roman Empire fell in the 5th century CE, but not exactly, as it continued in the form of the eastern Roman Empire which was later called the Bzyantium. The book contains a lot of details about the empire: the political structure, Diocletian reforms, the reign of Justinian, Nika riots, Byzantium and Islam, education in the empire, religious ceremonies, theological and cristological controversy (Tritinarian theology, council of Niceae, etc), Mehmed the conqueror final take over of Constantinople, and many more. 4 stars.
January 5, 2020
Most people believe the Roman Empire fell in 476 C.E., when the Germanic warlord Odoacer took and sacked Rome, but actually, the Roman Empire continued for another 1,000 years, ruled from Constantinople. Today, we usually refer to that empire as the Byzantine Empire, or simply Byzantium, but those who lived there always thought of it as the Eastern Roman Empire, or (after the fall of Rome), simply the Roman Empire. Byzantium: A Very Short Introduction offers an excellent summary of the history and influence of that empire. This is yet another outstanding volume in the Very Short Introduction series, on a topic of which many people are either unaware, or misinformed.
November 11, 2022
This short introduction (less than 150 pages when you eliminate bibliography and notes) provides a good general overview for understanding the 1000+ year empire of Byzantium. In many ways, this empire straddled and encompassed many spheres: Europe and Asia, Antiquity and Medieval. At the same time they were surrounded by hostile powers on all sides (Balkans, Mediterranean, Asia) and had to use diplomacy to maneuver between all of them. To understand one of the least understudied topics in history (particularly in the US), start here.
May 30, 2022
Książka ta jest częścią serii "A Very Short Introduction" wydawanej przez Oxford University Press (u nas tłumaczy i wydaje ją Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego), która ma na celu w rzetelny, a jednocześnie przystępny sposób przedstawić najróżniejsze dziedziny. W tym wypadku tematem jest Cesarstwo Wschodniorzymskie, powszechnie znane jako Bizancjum. Autor przyjął w niej podejście problemowe - każdy z 7 rozdziałów skupia się konkretnym elemencie historii i kultury tego państwa. Mamy więc rozdział o tym czym Bizancjum w ogóle było; o "Królowej Miast" - Konstantynopolu; o zmianach jakie zaszły między antykiem a średniowieczem; o relacji cesarstwa ze światem islamu; o tym jak w czasach kryzysu Bizancjum starało się przetrwać; o literaturze, sztuce i duchowości; i, na koniec, o ostatecznym upadku z rąk Turków. Poszczególne rozdziały dobrze spełniają swoją rolę i, na tyle ile to możliwe w ograniczonej objętości, przybliżają poszczególne tematy. Realnego czytania jest ok. 120-130 stron, co może pozostawić niedosyt, dlatego też za bibliografią znajduje się lista proponowanych przez autora (i tłumacza) lektur uzupełniających do każdego rozdziału.
Książkę czytało mi się dobrze i całkiem przyjemnie. Jeśli ktoś nie wie nic o Bizancjum, albo ma wiedzę niewykraczającą poza poziom szkolny, ewentualnie chce sobie przypomnieć najważniejsze rzeczy, myślę że będzie to dobry wybór.
Książkę czytało mi się dobrze i całkiem przyjemnie. Jeśli ktoś nie wie nic o Bizancjum, albo ma wiedzę niewykraczającą poza poziom szkolny, ewentualnie chce sobie przypomnieć najważniejsze rzeczy, myślę że będzie to dobry wybór.
April 20, 2025
Here are the five main takeaways from Byzantium: A Very Short Introduction by Peter Sarris, based on its content and focus:
1. Byzantium as Rome’s Heir: The Byzantine Empire, spanning over a thousand years (330–1453 CE), was the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, preserving Roman law, administration, and Christian culture while adapting to new challenges.
2. Cultural and Religious Significance: Byzantium was a crucible of Orthodox Christianity, shaping religious practices, art (e.g., icons), and theology, with Constantinople as a global center of faith and culture.
3. Political and Military Resilience: Despite constant threats from Persians, Arabs, and later Turks, Byzantium’s sophisticated bureaucracy, diplomacy, and military innovations (e.g., Greek fire) enabled it to endure for centuries.
4. Economic and Trade Hub: Constantinople’s strategic location made Byzantium a vital link between Europe, Asia, and Africa, fostering a vibrant economy through trade, silk production, and the gold solidus currency.
5. Legacy and Decline: Byzantium’s fall to the Ottomans in 1453 marked the end of the medieval Roman world, but its cultural, legal, and religious legacy profoundly influenced the Renaissance, Eastern Europe, and modern Orthodox Christianity.
These points capture the essence of Sarris’s concise exploration of Byzantium’s history and impact.
1. Byzantium as Rome’s Heir: The Byzantine Empire, spanning over a thousand years (330–1453 CE), was the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, preserving Roman law, administration, and Christian culture while adapting to new challenges.
2. Cultural and Religious Significance: Byzantium was a crucible of Orthodox Christianity, shaping religious practices, art (e.g., icons), and theology, with Constantinople as a global center of faith and culture.
3. Political and Military Resilience: Despite constant threats from Persians, Arabs, and later Turks, Byzantium’s sophisticated bureaucracy, diplomacy, and military innovations (e.g., Greek fire) enabled it to endure for centuries.
4. Economic and Trade Hub: Constantinople’s strategic location made Byzantium a vital link between Europe, Asia, and Africa, fostering a vibrant economy through trade, silk production, and the gold solidus currency.
5. Legacy and Decline: Byzantium’s fall to the Ottomans in 1453 marked the end of the medieval Roman world, but its cultural, legal, and religious legacy profoundly influenced the Renaissance, Eastern Europe, and modern Orthodox Christianity.
These points capture the essence of Sarris’s concise exploration of Byzantium’s history and impact.
November 5, 2024
The Medievalist Peter Sarris published Byzantium: A Very Short Introduction in 2015. The book includes illustrations. The book has maps, a section of references, and an index. The book has a section entitled “further reading” (Sarris 133-136). I learned a great deal from Sarris’ book. The chapter on “Byzantium and Islam” (Sarris 63-77) was very insightful. This chapter was chapter 4. The first chapter defines the term Byzantium. This chapter also looks at the history of the Roman Empire from Emperor Diocletian (who ruled from 284 CE until 305 CE) until the reign of Constantius II (who ruled from 337 CE until 361 CE). During the era between Emperor Diocletian and Constantius II, the Roman Empire became Christianized (Sellers 13-16). During this era, the political structure and political culture of the Roman Empire changed (16-18). Chapter 2 is an urban history of the capital city of Byzantium, Constantinople. Since 1930, Constantinople has been called Istanbul (Ehrlich 2024). Chapter 3 is on the history of the late Roman Empire or the early Byzantium until the reign of Emperor Philippos Bardanes, who reigned from 711 CE until 713 CE. Chapter 5 discusses how Byzantium survived as a political unit until the Fourth Crusade got involved in the royal politics of the Byzantine court in 1204 CE. Chapter 6 discusses the artistic, literary, philosophical, architectural, and other aspects of the culture of Byzantium. The last chapter is on the decline of Byzantium from 1204 until the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II captured the city of Constantinople in 1453 CE. This chapter also talks about the legacy of Byzantium. I thought Peter Sarris’ book on Byzantium: A Very Short Introduction was thoughtful.
Works Cited:
Ehrlich, Blake. 2024. “Istanbul.” Chicago, Illinois: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved: November 5, 2024 (Istanbul | History, Population, Map, & Facts | Britannica).
Works Cited:
Ehrlich, Blake. 2024. “Istanbul.” Chicago, Illinois: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved: November 5, 2024 (Istanbul | History, Population, Map, & Facts | Britannica).
December 17, 2018
A very interesting introduction to the Byzantine Empire. It begins with a summary of how Enlightenment and Modern thinkers viewed Byzantine history. It then proceeds through the Empire’s history. It shows why the Byzantines thought of themselves first and foremost as Romans, as historically contiguous with the Roman Empire. One memorable chapter discusses the conservative literary culture of Byzantium and its emphasis on Attic Greek, and this was very interesting. It highlighted the way Byzantine Christians played an important role in preserving classical literature. I would have liked more on the relationship between the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Empire. How did these two political entities interact? This is a very useful starting point for study into this area. When I read W.B. Yeats’ “Sailing to Byzantium,” it will be imbued with increased significance.
April 26, 2024
It's a concise summary of some of the most important aspects of the Eastern Roman Empire. There's not much to dig into here, but considering the length of the book as well as the fact that the words "very short introduction" are part of the title that should've been obvious when you got the book. The chapters were decent summaries of their topic, but didn't flow cohesively. I think the best use for this book is to get someone familiar with the Empire before starting a deeper study (like beginning a college course on ERE history with reading it, for example).
August 17, 2017
An excellent starting point
I've just recently been struggling through the chapters of Chris Wickham's The Inheritance of Rome that focus on the Byzantine empire, when I decided to check if there was a Very Short Introduction published on Byzantium. I'm thankful for this guide in helping to rid myself of my abject ignorance; now it seems much more manageable. The book certainly opens up a great deal of questions. I'd recommend it to anyone in my position.
I've just recently been struggling through the chapters of Chris Wickham's The Inheritance of Rome that focus on the Byzantine empire, when I decided to check if there was a Very Short Introduction published on Byzantium. I'm thankful for this guide in helping to rid myself of my abject ignorance; now it seems much more manageable. The book certainly opens up a great deal of questions. I'd recommend it to anyone in my position.
December 11, 2020
For sure, it is a very short intro, however the lack of coherence is almost unforgivable. In fact, it cannot serve as an intro since it assumes that the reader already knows many details of roman/byzantine history, but if that was the case, why on earth would someone take the step back and read an introduction? I appreciated though the insights for modern Islam that reside in Byzantine history.
January 7, 2023
Second book I've read from 'A Very Short Introduction' series.
This book was a follow-up of S.P.Q.R.
Over a thousand year of history of Byzantine is condensed into just over 100 page (tiny fonts, though). Full of facts and guides, and a good tool to bridge over flow of history. Looking forward to read more history from this series.
This book was a follow-up of S.P.Q.R.
Over a thousand year of history of Byzantine is condensed into just over 100 page (tiny fonts, though). Full of facts and guides, and a good tool to bridge over flow of history. Looking forward to read more history from this series.
August 19, 2025
Good, concise overview of the Byzantine Empire, the major players, events and cultural impacts it left on the world. Perhaps my ePub was incorrect but Sarris refers to corn in this, a new world crop that would have been unavailable to the East Roman Empire at all... Still, an enjoyable overview of one of the most important polities of world history.
January 28, 2025
A Great Start
This book (as with the collection of "Very Short Introductions") is a great starting point for anyone studying the Bizantine Empire. Peter Sarris offers an organized breakdown of different aspects of this history and supplies ample subsequent reading suggestions.
This book (as with the collection of "Very Short Introductions") is a great starting point for anyone studying the Bizantine Empire. Peter Sarris offers an organized breakdown of different aspects of this history and supplies ample subsequent reading suggestions.
Read
September 20, 2025I'd underestimated how much of an impact Byzantium (and Western ideas of Byzantium) had on science fiction and fantasy: more of Foundation, Warhammer 40k, the Wheel of Time, and Dragon Age (ignoring others, surely) makes more sense now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2018
good intro.
September 20, 2019
Enjoyable. Dense, but engaging. As good an introduction to its subject as anything could be; this book is an excellent jumping-off point for Byzantine history.
January 17, 2020
I think if you know nothing about Byzantium, this could be a good place to start. I, however, kept noticing what was missing in the narrative, but hey, this is the VERY SHORT Introduction series.
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