Byzantium. An Introduction to East Roman Civilization by Norman H. Baynes; H. St. L. B.

Moss,
A. H. M. Jones to read. I had no earthy idea what I was reading or why. It was a tough slog for an
undisciplined adolescent mind but I finished and was fascinated. The fascination never let me go,
two trips to Istanbul and the Balkans and a retirement spent reading everything I could get my hands
on have left me feeling that I have only scratched the surface. I am so thankful for the podcast and
all of the listener support and comments. I hope in some way this is a tiny contribution.
A Note: Some of the books I mention have already been cited but I wanted to provide an
endorsement for them and their authors. I am the first to admit this list may be slightly top heavy with
books about Theodora. In my humble opinion she was the last Rock Star of the ancient world
rivaled only by Cleopatra (read Stacy Schiffs book, Cleopatra: A Lifecompelling). Her life would
make for powerfully entertaining movie. I cannot believe no one has thought of that idea.
Without further ado, here is the bibliography:
Things that come in handy for keeping track of what is going on:
Habdas, William and Abigail. The Byzantine Emperors V. 8.0. Available at ITunes.com, 2014. For
more information contact: support@dream.am
An app. With a thumbnail sketch of every Byzantine Emperor from Constantine the Great to
Constantine XI Palaiologos. The perfect bedside companion for keeping track of who is who. The
emperors are listed by dynasty and chronological order.
Electric Pocket. BookLover. Available at ITunes.com. A great way to keep track of your reading
material. You can scan your books into the app., or type the Name, Author and ISBN number into
the entry page and it will automatically give you cover art. I have organized my books into three
categories: Reading Now,, Past Reads and a Wish list shelf so if I come across something I
want to purchase later, I will remember it. The app is very easy to use. If you have questions about
the app. Contact: booklover@electricpocket.com.
Boshilov, Ivan, Illustrated by: Atanas Atanassov, Rossen Toshev, Emilian Stankev, Plamen Vulchev,
and Hristo Hadjitanev. Rulers of the Byzantine Empire from Constantine I the Great to
Constantine XI Paleologus.Sofia, Bulgaria: Kibea Publishing House, 2005.
Robin has posted pictures from this book on the website. The entire volume is beautifully illustrated
with short biographies of the emperors that the authors deem significant. My only disappointment
was that there were no women included, Theodora, Irene, Zoe, etc. None-the-less if you are a
Byzantine history buff, this book is definitely worth adding to your collection. It is available on
Amazon or at the Bulgarian Tourist Ministry Bookstore. For more information
contact: www.kibea.net.
Haldon, John. The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History. London, England: Palgrave/McMillian
Publishing, 2005, 2010.
Robins selections of maps on the website are excellent and they inspired me to purchase something
I could have at my fingertips. The scope of the demographic/geographic information contained in this
volume is probably more than the average history buff would ever need or use. Still for those of us
who are visual learners/geographically challenged, the maps come in very handy. The book is
available at Amazon.
For the Younger Reader:
Someone posted the question if there was material available on the Byzantine Empire for younger
readers. The following selection would be an excellent choice:
Barrett, Tracy. Anna of Byzantium. New York, New York: Fallen Leaf Publishing Company, 2000.
This description comes from Amazon:
This uneven first novel is narrated by Anna, the first-born daughter of the Emperor of Byzantium,
poised to inherit the throne. Inspired by the real Anna Comnena (1083-1153) who chronicled her
fathers reign in The Alexiad, the story begins in a convent, where 17-year-old Anna lives in exile.
Most of the book flashes back to the princesss upbringing and her attempt on her brother Johns life
that led to her monastic imprisonment.
Personally I found the book to be fascinating in terms of palace intrigue and the constant jockeying
for power between the Ducas and Comnene families. Also Anna, views John II in a far different light
than history has.
The book is recommended for grades 6-12 but in my opinion it is a good read for adults also;
especially if you want a quick overview of the Byzantine court at this particular period in history.
I have included a link to a comprehensive guide for teaching this book in a classroom and a link with
student reviews of the book. This book is available at Amazon in Kindle, hardcover, and paperback
and on ITunes as an IBook.
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/anna-byzantiumlesson-plan
http://www.cmlibrary.org/readers_club/reviews/tresults.asp?id=1755 Anna of Byzantium Reader
Reviews courtesy the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Public Library

Brownworth, Lars. Lost to the West. New York, New York: Crown Publishing, 2009.
This is a history book that reads like a fast-paced novel. It moves you through a complex period of
history with ease and makes you want to know more. There is an accompanying
podcast, Twelve Byzantine Emperorsthat is available on ITunes. It follows the outline of the book.
The book is available at both ITunes and Amazon.
Veyne, Paul, Editor. A History of Private Life from Pagan Rome to Byzantium. Cambridge,
Mass.: Belknap Press, 1987.
While most of this book is devoted to life in the Western Empire there is a section written by Evelyn
Patlagean (1932-2008, a French historian and Byzantinist) that details day-to-day life in the empire
during the 10
th
and 11
th
centuries (pp.641-553).
Herrin, Judith. Women in Purple, Rulers of Medieval Byzantium, Princeton, N.J.: Princeton
University Press, 2001.
Theoretically all power in Byzantium flowed from the male side of the family, reality was another
matter. This book chronicles the lives of three empresses who ruled independently, and changed the
religious and political landscape of the medieval empire. Dr. Herrin is a phenomenal scholar and a
captivating writer.
Herrin, Judith. Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton
University Press, 2007.
A unique take on the telling of Byzantine history. Rather than a strict chronological approach, Dr.
Herrin, focuses on different aspects of society. A fascinating read.
Both books are available at Amazon.
Herrin, Judith. What is Byzantium? A podcast available through ITunes U.
Prokopios, (Edited and Translated by Anthony Kaldellis). The Secret History. Indianapolis, Indiana:
Hackett Publishing Company, 2010.
If Prokopios did not invent the Kiss and Tell All, writing format, he certainly perfected it. Secretary
to Count Belisarius, he had a front-row seat to the events in the court of Justinian and Theodora. As
the notes on the back cover of this edition state, By exposing the perversion, repression, corruption
and injustice at the heart of Justinians regime, Prokopios The Secret History destroyed forever that
emperors reputation as the great and benevolent ruler of a vast Byzantine state. If Prokopios were
alive today he would be making talk show appearances and attending book signing parties. His
book, The Six Wars, is available at ITunes and Amazon.
Evans, James Allan. The Power Game in Byzantium: Antonina and the Empress
Theodora. New York and London: The Continuum International Publishing Group, 2011.
The relationship between the two life-long friends and its influence on the politics, the religious
policies, and wars of conquest during the reign of Justinian. Available at Amazon.
Duffy, Stella. Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore. New York: New York: Penguin Books, 2011.
Duffy, Stella. The Purple Shroud. New York, New York: Penguin Books, 2012.
This is a two part biography of Theodora. The first book tells the story of her youth and young
adulthood while the second focuses on her reign as empress, her relationship with Justinian and the
people closest to her. I highly recommend both of these books. Both books are available at Amazon
and ITunes in several different formats.
Thornton, Stephanie. The Secret History: The Life of the Empress Theodora. New York, New
York: Penguin Books, 2013.
Written in a style that makes Theodora seems a bit more contemporary, she comes across as
strong, resourceful, witty, and ambitious even as a child. Well-written, very entertaining. Available on
ITunes and Amazon.
Elson, Elizabeth. Theodora of Constantinople. 2013. An e-published book available on both
Amazon Kindle and ITunes.
The Amazon review gives this book four stars and states, The book examines the events that
allowed this controversial personality to reach beyond class status, deception, and political
maneuvering to create her own unique destiny and carve her place in the history of the Byzantines.
She has also written, Julia: Romes Daughter, The story of Octavians daughter and her role in the
political life of the Roman Empire.
Strickland, Carol. The Eagle and the Swan. 2013. An e-published book for both Apple ( IPad users
must download the Kindle app first) and Kindle devices. Available at Amazon or at the
website:www.theeagleandtheswan.com/readers-club. The website has great information about the
main characters, the plot, as well as a place you can blog about the book.
Amazon has a brief description of the plot, Theodora was a circus performer and daughter of the
bear-keeper, until she caught the eye of a clever young military officer. The soldier and the swan
dancer set out on a treacherous path to power that would lead all the way to the throne.
Spector, Reynold. She Smiled on Constantinople: A Novel of Ancient Byzantium. Lulu.com,
2008.
The Iconoclast Movement viewed through the eyes of the fictional character, Nicetas Beser, an
advisor and historian in the Byzantine Court. The book covers the period from Leo III-Irene (717-802
A.D.) and a little beyond. As one reviewer states, Spector paints a believable picture of life behind
Constantinoples thick walls. Informative and entertaining, available at Amazon and ITunes.

Harris, Christopher. Memoirs of a Byzantine Eunuch. Sawtry, Cambridgeshire,United Kingdom:
Dedalus Ltd., 2002.
The reigns of Michael III and Basil I (842-866 A.D.) narrated by the imaginary character Zeno. This is
a highly enjoyable book. Available from ITunes and Amazon.

Phillips, Johnathan. The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople. New York, New York:
Penguin Books, 2004.
A description from the back cover of the book, By 1204 barbarism masquerading as piety had swept
away one of the great civilizations of history. In this gripping account Johnathan Phillips using letters
of knights and commoners alike, traces the series of errors that led to the expedition to commit the
most infamous massacre of the Crusades. Available at Amazon.
Graves, Robert. Count Belisarius. New York, New York: Penguin Books, 2006 (Updated
Educational Edition).
The life of Justinians greatest general by the author of I, Claudius.

Clothier, Meg. The Empress. London, England: Century Publishing, 2013.
From the Publisher:
Constantinople, 1179
Princess Agnes of France is thirteen when she marries the heir to Byzantium, an empire unmatched
in wealth, power and glamour.
But once she sets foot in the Queen of Cities, a decadent world where dazzling luxury masks
unspeakable cruelty, she realizes that her husband is a deluded mothers boy with mighty enemies
and treacherous allies.
This book was posted on the podcast site by a listener. I have not read it but it looks great and has
very good reviews. The books setting is at the time of the murder of Alexios II and the overthrow of
the government by Andronikos Komnenos who ruled for approximately two-plus years.


Garland, Lynda. Byzantine Empresses: Women and Power in Byzantium 527-1204. Oxford,
England: Taylor and Francis Publishing, 2002.
Lynda Garland is a Professor of Humanities at The University of New England located in New South
Wales, Australia. The description of the book comes from Good Reads:
Byzantine Empresses provides a series of biographical portraits of the most significant Byzantine
women who ruled or shared the throne between 527 and 1204. It presents and analyses the
available historical data in order to outline what these empresses did, what the sources thought they
did, and what they wanted to do.
The book is available on Amazon but to my mind is very expensive, $36 (American) for a 238 page
book. In spite of that I have ordered it because I am fascinated by the topic so we shall see. The few
reviews that are around are good ones.
My Wish-List
My Booklovers app on my IPad has approximately three shelves of books on Byzantium that I
would like to read or at least browse through. I have done some research on the internet primarily by
Googling books on Byzantium, looking for authors and lectures on the subject and by combing the
archives of both Amazon and ITunes. There are some notable books missing from this list, mainly
John Julius Norwich. My thought is that if you have an interest in Byzantium both he and Judith
Herrin would be the logical places to begin your studies.
I am also posting this list in the hopes that podcast listeners can make comments, suggestions,
supply book reviews, and opinions as I am quite sure I am missing something.
As an aside, after reading Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire and Women in
Purple, Rulers of Medieval Byzantium, I had a brief moment of insanity and wrote a fan letter to
Dr. Judith Herrin telling her how much I had enjoyed her books. She blew me away by responding
with the most kind and gracious letter complete with the artwork for her two new books. I bet if
someone would contact her, she would certainly contribute an endorsement or a piece for this
podcast. Not only is she brilliant and a gifted writer, she is a class act all the way.
In no particular order:
Theophanes. The Chronicles of Theophanes (602-813 A.D.) (Edited and Translated by Harry
Turtledove). Philadelphia: The University of Pennsylvania Press, 1982. Available at Amazon.
Harris, Jonathan. Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium. London, England: Continuum Press,
2007. Available at Amazon.
Harris, Jonathan. The End of Byzantium. New Haven, CT. Yale University Press. 2012
Nicolle, David. Manzikert: The Breaking of Byzantium. Oxford, UK: Osprey Press, 2013. Available
at Amazon.
Herrin, Judith. Unrivaled Influence: Women in the Byzantine Empire. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton
University Press, 2013. Available at ITunes and Amazon.
Herrin, Judith. Margins and Metropolis: Authority Across the Byzantine Empire. Princeton, N.J.:
Princeton University Press, 2013. Available at ITunes and Amazon.
Turteltaub, H.N. J ustinian. London, England: McMillian Press, 2010. Available at ITunes and
Amazon
Connor, Carolyn L. Women of Byzantium. New Haven, CT. Yale University Press, 2004. Available
at Amazon.
Goume-Peterson, Thalia. Anna Komnene and Her Times. Oxford, UK: Routledge Publishing, The
Taylor-Francis Group Ltd. 2000. Available at Amazon.
Kastenellos, Paul. Count No Man Happy. Apuleius Books, 2011. Available at Amazon.
The tragic life of Constantine VI
Kastenellos, Paul. Antonina: A Byzantine Slut. Apuleius Books, 2011. Available at Amazon.
Baker, G.P. J ustinian. Lanham, Maryland: Cooper Square Press, 2002. Available on ITunes and at
Amazon.
Rosen, William. Justinians Flea. New York, New York. Penguin Books, 2008. Available on ITunes
and Amazon.
McLachlan, Sean. Byzantium: An Illustrated History. New York, New York: Hippocrecne Books,
2004. Available at Amazon.
Neville, Lenora, Heroes and Romans in 12
th
Century Byzantium: The Material for the History
ofNikephoros Bryennios. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Available from
Amazon.
Tred gold, Warren T. A History of the Byzantine State and Society. Redwood City, California:
Stanford University Press, 1997. Available from Amazon.
DAmato, Rafael and Rava, Giuseppe. The Varangian Guard, 988-1453 (Men at Arms). Oxford,
UK: Osprey Press, 2010.
DAmato, Rafael and Rava, Giuseppe. Imperial Guardsmen 925-1025. Oxford, UK: Osprey Press,
2010.
Both Books are available at Amazon.
Carrie, Brian Todd. The Road to Manzikert: Byzantine and Islamic Warfare. Barnsley South
Yorkshire, UK: Pen and Sword Publishing, 2012. Available at ITunes and Amazon.
Psellus, Michael (Translated By E.R. A. Sewter). Fourteen Byzantine Emperors: The
Chronographica ofMichael Psellus. New York. Penguin Books, 1979. Available on ITunes and
Amazon.
Tarr, Judith. The Eagles Daughter. New York, New York: Tor Publishing Co. 1996. Available on
ITunes and Amazon.
Cavello, Guglielmo. The Byzantines. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1997. Available at
Amazon.
Nicol, Donald M. The Life and Legend of Constantine XI Palaiologos: The Last Emperor of the
Romans.Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Available at Amazon.
Kalavrezou, Ioli. Byzantine Women and Their World. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard Art Museum
Press, 2002. Available at Amazon.
Wells, Colin. Sailing to Byzantium. New York, New York: Delacourt Press, 2007. Available on
ITunes and Amazon.
Kean, Roger Michael. Forgotten Power: Byzantium, The Bulwark of Christianity. Ludlow
Shropshire, UK:

ANCIENT / MEDIEVAL WORLD IN GENERAL
The New Penguin Atlas of Medieval History by Colin McEvedy *
Stop! Stop! I wrote that just in case any of you were imagining a huge shelf-busting volume which
you have no interest in weighing yourself down with. This is the lightest of all books put together like
a small booklet. However it is possibly my favourite history book ever and is the closest thing you will
find to The History of Rome podcast on paper. Its 100 pages of the same map of Europe over and
over again showing you the changing political units of the continent while also occasionally checking
in on the demographic, economic and religious situations. If you would like to see how Europe
changed politically during the Middle Ages this gives you the whole story in the most accessible form
possible. There are also versions which cover Europe in the Ancient, Modern and early-Modern
periods. There is one on Africa and America and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
The Inheritance of Rome: A History of Europe from 400 to 1000 by Chris Wickham **
An excellent modern book covering the developments across Europe from the fall of Rome to the
end of the Millennium. Its an analysis rather than a narrative history but as long as you know the
basic outline of the story this will enlighten and entertain.
The Fall of the Roman Empire by Peter Heather **
This technically doesnt cover the Byzantines in terms of where The History of Byzantium podcast
begins. However this is an excellent modern history of how and why the West fell and I found it
extremely helpful in understanding the period before I began my work.
Empires and Barbarians by Peter Heather **
This is where I went to get information on the origins of the Slavs. Heather is excellent and this is
very detailed as it covers the movements of German, Slavic, Hungarian and other peoples during
late Antiquity.
The Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity (AD 395-700) by Averil Cameron *
A very good survey of the period covering all the major issues with intelligent analysis.
A History of Medieval Europe by R.H.C. Davis *
My old university textbook on the subject. Its only four hundred pages and is a good introduction to
the relevant topics for students.
BYZANTIUM AS A WHOLE
Byzantium: The Early Centuries (286-802)
Byzantium: The Apogee (803-1080)
Byzantium: The Decline and Fall (1081-1453) by John Julius Norwich *
If you know nothing about Byzantium and want to hear the story then this is where you should begin.
Norwich has that old fashioned mastery of writing where he can turn a phrase beautifully and make
the tale funny and engaging. He includes every good legend, anecdote and highlight of the Empires
life from its founding to its fall. There is an abridged version if you dont want to tackle all three
volumes.
A History of the Byzantine State and Society by Warren Treadgold **
If you are looking for a more textbook-like analysis of Byzantium then this is the book for you. At a
thousand pages it is the Byzantine Bible and by covering ten centuries in that time you wont find all
the minutiae. What you will find though is a comprehensive analysis of each era of the Empire, what
happened, who deserves credit and blame and how things changed. If you are studying Byzantium
for any reason I would strongly recommend this as your core text book.
The Making of Orthodox Byzantium: 600-1025 by Mark Whittow **
If you dont want to wade through every decade with Treadgold but want to cover all the important
issues to do with Byzantium then this is the best book Ive found. Whittow is easy to read and gets to
the point quickly. He has an excellent eye for what survived from the ancient world and what were
Byzantine innovations in every aspect of the life of the state.
Byzantium: The Empire of the New Rome by Cyril Mango **
A tiny bit dated in some places but otherwise an excellent survey of the whole Empires history. Its
broken down into topics rather than chronologically as Treeadgolds is.
History of the Later Roman Empire (from the death of Theodossius I to the death of Justinian)
A History of the Later Roman Empire (from Arcadius to Irene) by J.B. Bury **
Written between 1900 and 1925 Bury is considered one of the best editors of Gibbon and his history
reflects that. It is dry but comprehensive. For someone looking for all the details of the period from
the movement of individual units to tax disputes then this covers the lot. Its not a readable narrative
history like Norwichs but is more useful than Gibbon if you want to know absolutely everything.
History of the Byzantine State by George Ostorgorsky **
Written in the 1940s and 50s this is now out of date with some of its conclusions. But its still
considered one of the best narrative accounts and reads more easily than Bury does.
Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire by Judith Herrin **
I will update my opinion of this book when I finish reading it. So far I have only read the parts which
cover the period of Justinians reign. However by ignoring the narrative and covering a topic at a
time Herrin has made it hard for a beginner to follow the story while an expert might feel they have
heard it all before. Thats not to say what is written isnt interesting or detailed. However what I loved
about The History of Rome podcast was that you could absorb the narrative first before exploring
the topic in more depth. This book seems to be aimed at beginners but doesnt quite hold your hand
in the most helpful way.
Lost to the West by Lars Brownworth *
Yes Ive finally started reading the father of history podcastings book. Its like a modern and
abridged version of Norwichs work picking out all the best stories and telling them with a great
flourish. This might be the best place to start for someone who knows nothing about the period. Im
reading as I go so am only up to Justinians era.
Rulers of the Byzantine Empire from Kibea *
This is the book where I get the modern illustrations of the Emperors from. It recounts the broad
outline of the historical narrative with drawings of various incidents from Byzantine history. It might
be a good one to interest your children in Byzantium but the historical summaries are quite detailed.
Byzantine Art by Robin Cormack **
Im no art historian and so couldnt comment on the accuracy or interest of the book for an expert.
However the pictures are beautiful and seemingly comprehensive. The accompanying explanations
are detailed and interesting although very much focussed on the art and not the narrative of
Byzantine history.
The Byzantines by Averil Cameron **
A brief but readable survey of the life of the Empire.
The Roman Empire Divided: 400-700 by John Moorhead **
A textbook on Byzantium and the post Roman provinces in the West and how they developed during
the period. A very solid analysis for students.
The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History by John Haldon **
What you would expect. A good summary of what happened with mostly helpful maps. Its not a
must-have but is quite handy and not heavy.
The Byzantine Achievement by Robert Byron ***
Written in the 1920s this is the book that inspired John Julius Norwich to begin his own love for
Byzantium. The book is an amazing read at times and a confusing one at others. As with other
books written before modern day there is little hand holding or sourcing of anecdotes. Instead Byron
launches off on generalisations about the Greek people, civilisations and the Byzantine Empire. Its a
romantic work but one that offers a fascinating and adulatory perspective on how great the Empire
was. Its only a couple of hundred pages so for someone who knows the story well already this is
worth a look if you want a quite different perspective on history.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon ***
Of course this is a fantastic achievement and Gibbon can turn a wonderful phrase. However it can
be a chore to get through and is definitely not recommended reading if you are new to the topic.
Most of the best Gibbon quotes will appear in other books and he can be amusingly dismissive of
certain figures and topics.
EMPERORS
Justinians Flea: Plague, Empire and the Birth of Europe by William Rosen *
If you liked Episode 28 and hearing about the Plague then this is the book which gave me most of
that information. Rosen does a fantastic job of going in depth on the Battle of Dara, the Plague, the
construction of the Hagia Sophia and how Justinians reign led to the medieval world. Easy to read
and fascinating.
The Age of Justinian: The Circumstances of Imperial Power by J.A.S. Evans **
This is the modern version of Bury in many ways. It covers the whole of Justinians reign including a
very thorough introduction to the period. Its not very well written though. Its neither chronological
nor organised by topic in a helpful way. And even paragraphs and sentences are poorly edited.
However you get every last detail we have on Justinian so if thats what youre looking for you will
find it.
The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Justinian edit by Michael Maas ***
A chunky 500 pages of in depth analysis on all aspects of society during the sixth century in the
Byzantine world. If you are looking for more detail or researching the era then this is an excellent
resource. It also deals with topics like philosophy, architecture and gender which are too complex for
the podcast.
Heraclius: Emperor of Byzantium by Walter E. Kaegi ***
An extremely thorough analysis of all the sources we have on the Emperor. Kaegi leaves no stone
unturned which is doubtless what an academic should do. But it doesnt make for a good read. Its
repetitive and not structured to help you take in the story.
ISLAM
In the Shadow of the Sword by Tom Holland **
The story of the century and a half before the rise of Islam. Holland is a very sharp, detailed and
entertaining writer. He manages to simultaneously take seriously the superstitions of the ancient
world while also exposing their silliness to modern minds. Im surprised the book hasnt caused more
controversy in a way. Holland explores the lack of sources for Mohammeds life and pieces together
the influences which would have acted on him from Arabia, Persia, Rome, Christianity, Judaism and
Paganism.
Byzantium and the Early Islamic Conquests ***
More readable than his book on Heraclius this is another thorough nose through the sources we
have for the period. He covers the invasions of Palestine, Syria, Mesopotamia and Armenia in
chronological order.
The Early Islamic Conquests by Fred McGraw Donner ***
This is a highly detailed look at the Islamic historians accounts of the conquests of Syria and Iraq.
Those histories are presumed to be accurate in general but are critiqued well.
The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates by Hugh Kennedy **
This covers Islamic political developments from 6th to the 11th centuries in only 400 pages so is
necessarily brief but a good summary.
MILITARY
Byzantium and Its Army 284-1081 by Warren Treadgold ***
A serious historical survey bringing together all the existing scholarship to assess the size, strength
and disposition of Imperial forces in various eras. Treadgold is excellent at making complicated
evidence readable but this is one for serious students only.
The Roman Eastern Frontier and the Persian Wars, Part II AD 363-630 edited by Geoffrey
Greatrex and Samuel Lieu ***
A collection of passages from the primary sources describing the Eastern frontier conflicts. It is pretty
interesting to read snippets from the histories all together in one place. The editors do add
paragraphs linking each passage with a narrative. However if you dont already know the story of the
frontier (and particularly if your geography isnt good) it could get quite confusing.
The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire by Edward N. Luttwak ***
This is quite different from any of the other books I have read on Byzantium so far. Luttwak is the
man responsible for the defence in depth argument which featured in The History of Rome. He
writes fascinatingly from the point of view of military strategy, tactics and diplomacy. It was here that
I found detailed information on the transformation of the Byzantine army into horse archers and
personal retinues as I discussed in Episode 13. There is only brief narrative hand holding and a lot of
detail on the sources we have for the Byzantine period.
CULTURE
Hellenism in Byzantium by Anthony Kaldellis
A brilliant study of ancient sources and what they say about Roman and Greek identity. His
quotations from ancient sources is very impressive. I look forward to returning to it once we get to
the Crusades.
SELECTED ARTICLES
Ancient Warfare Magazine: Volume IV, Issue 3: Justinians Fireman: Belisarius and the
Byzantine Empire
Despite seeming like a very niche magazine the articles are very readable for those who dont know
the topic well. There are several articles on Justinian and Belisarius and their campaigns.
The Persian Campaign in Syria by Glenville Downey (from Jstor)
Analysis of the invasion of Syria which exposes the difference between what Procopius reports and
the likely chain of events which led to the sack of Antioch and Germanus decision to withdraw.
Byzantine Medicine in the Sixth and Seventh Centuries: Aspects of Teaching and Practice by
John Duffy (from Jstor)
Good analysis of what we know for certain about doctors during this period.
The Persian Conquest of Jerusalem (614 c.e.) An Archaeological Assessment by Gideon
Avni (from Jstor)
Analysis of the archaeological evidence around Jerusalem and what it tells us about the Persian
sack.
The Persian Wars of Heraclius by Lutz Rickelt (www.roman-empire.net)
A clear, brief account of Heraclius campaigns between 622-630.
The Persians in the Roman near East (602-630 AD) by Clive Foss (Cambridge University
Press Journals)
Interesting notes on what we do know about the Persian occupation of Eastern cities. Including
leaving local elites in place and then possibly taxing them or sacking them during the last few years
of the war. E.g. Edessa.
The Battle of the Yarmuk: A Reconstruction by John W Jandora (from Jstor)
Sifts through the Byzantine and Arab accounts of the battle and tries to draw out what seems more
likely.
WEBSITES
Sasanika The History and Culture of the Sasanians. http://www.humanities.uci.edu/sasanika/
De Imperatoribus Romanis Information about the Roman Emperors. http:/roman-
emperors.org/
Analysis of the Strategikon http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/strategikon/strategikon.htm
What if anything is a Byzantine?
http://www.romanity.org/htm/fox.01.en.what_if_anything_is_a_byzantine.01.htm

Julien lApostat Vol I, II & III Allard, Paul
Byzantium: The Bridge to the Middle Ages
Angold,
Michael
Church and Society under the Comneni, 1081-1261
Angold,
Michael
The Byzantine Empire 1025 1204, A Political History
Angold,
Michael
The medieval fortifications Annaev, A.
Histoire des relations de Venise avec lempire dOrient Armingaud, J.
The Fourth International Conference on the History of Bilad al-Sham During the
Umayyad Period Bakhit (ed)
The Late Byzantine Army. Arms and Society, 1204 1453 Bartusis, M. C
Ukhaidir Bell, G. L
The Varangians and Byzantium
Benedict
Benedikz
Abu Amr Uthman al-Tarsusis, Siyar al-Thughur and the Last Years of Arab Rule in
Tarsus (Fourth /Tenth Century) Bosworth C. E.
The Castle Explorers Guide
Bottomely,
Frank
Julian The Apostate
Bowersock,
G.W.
The Medieval Siege Bradbury, Jim
Byzantium confronts the West, 1108-1204
Brand, Charles
M.
Castles, a History and Guide Brown, R. Allen
The Emperor Julian
Browning,
Robert
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization
Brownworth,
Lars
The medieval fortifications Brun P.
Byzantium: Treasures of Byzantine Art and Culture from British Collections
Buckton, D.
(ed.)
History of the Byzantine Empire
Chadwick-
Oman, C.W
Essai sur le rgne dAlexis Ier Comnne
Chalandon,
Ferdinand
Jean II Comnne, 1118-1143
Chalondon,
Ferdinand
Manuel I Comnne, 1143-1180
Chalondon,
Ferdinand
Fortifications and the Development of Defensive Planning In the Latin East
Chevedden,
R.E
La Prise de Constantinople
Clari, Robert
de
The Alexiad
Comnena,
Anna
The Bogomils, c. 1110
Comnena,
Anna
Fortification In Islam before AD 1250
Creswell, K. A.
C
Geoponica: Farm Work. A Modern Translation of the Roma Dalby, Andrew
Tastes of Byzantium: The Cuisine of a Legendary Empire Dalby, Andrew
The Secret Weapon of Byzantium Davidson, Ellis
Corinth: results of excavations conducted by the American School of Classical Studies
at Athens. Vol. 12: The Minor Objects Davidson, G.R.
Three Byzantine Military Treatises Dennis, G.T
Byzance Diehl, Charles
Etudes Byzantine Diehl, Charles
Etudes sur ladministration byzantine dans lexarchat de Ravenne Diehl, Charles
Justinien et la civilization Byzantine au VIe sicle Diehl, Charles
The Late Roman Army Dixon, Karen R
Lempereur Hraclius et lempire byzantin au VII sicle
Drapeyron,
Ludovic
The Fortifications of Armenian Cilicia Edwards R.W
The Coastal Cities of Palestine During the Early Muslim Period ElAd, A
Warfare in Roman Europe, AD 350425 Elton H
The Glory of Byzantium. Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era, ad 8431261 Evans, H.C.
History of the Byzantine Empire from 716 1057 Finlay, George
Byzantine Fortifications; an Introduction
Foss, Clive
David Winfield
Empire to Commonwealth: Consequences of Monotheism in late Antiquity Fowden, G
Julian, Philosopher and Emperor Gardner, Alice
Kaiser Julianus
Geffcken,
Johannes
Geschichte der Frankenherschaft in Griechenland
Gerland, Dr.
Ernst
Geschichte des lateinischen Kaiserreiches in Konstantinopel
Gerland, Dr.
Ernst
On Barbarian Identity: Critical Approaches to Ethnicity in the Early Middle Ages Gillett, A. (ed.),
The History of the Sling (Gophana) In India and Other Countries Between C. B.C.
3000 and AD 1900 Gode, P.K
Art of Late Rome and Byzantium in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Gonosov,
A.(ed)
City In the Desert: Qasr al-Hayr East Grabar O
From Rome to Byzantium: the 5th Century AD Grant, Michael
Intensive Archaeological Survey and its Place in Byzantine Studies, Byzantine
Studies/tudes Byzantines 13 Gregory, T.E.
Material Culture and Well-Being in Byzantium (4001453) (Verffentlichungen zur
Byzanzforschung Grnbart, M
The Fireship of Al-Salih Ayyub and Muslim Use of Greek Fire Haldane, D
Byzantium, A History Haldon, J. F
State, Army, and Society In Byzantium. Approaches To Military, Social, and
Administrative History Haldon, J. F
The Byzantine Wars Haldon, J. F
Warfare, State and Society In the Byzantine World, 565 1204 Haldon, J. F
Byzantium at War Haldon, John
Kirbat al-Mafjir Hamilton, R. W
The World of Byzantium Parts I & II (VHS)
Harl,
Dr.Kenneth W.
Byzantium and the Crusades
Harris,
Jonathan
Islamic Technology: An Illustrated History Hassan A. Y. al
Byzantine Armies, AD 8861118,Men-At-Arms Heath, Ian
Post-Roman Towns, Trade and Settlement in Europe and Byzantium
Henning, J.
(ed.),
Women in Purple Herrin, Judith
Byzantine and Medieval Greece
Hetherington,
Paul
Islamic Science and Engineering Hill, D.R
Trbuchets Hill, D.R
Islamic Technology: An Illustrated History Hill, D.R.
The History of Fortification Hogg, Ian
Clubs To Cannon Hogg, O. F. G
Chroniques Grco-romanes indites ou peu connues
Hopf, C. H. F.
J.
Burial and Urbanism at Late Antique and Early Byzantine Corinth (c. ad 400700) Ivison, E.A.
Byzantine Military Unrest, 471 843, An Interpretation Kaegi, W. E
Heraclius, Emperor of Byzantium
Kaegi, Walter
E.
Byzantium, New Peoples, New Powers: The Byzantino-Slav Contact Zone, from the
Ninth to the Fifteenth Century Kaimakova, A
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (Luke 12:19) Food and Wine in Byzantium
Kallirroe
Linardou
Muslim Military Architecture In Greater Syria Kennedy, H
Material Culture and Well-Being in Byzantium (4001453) (Verffentlichungen zur
Byzanzforschung Kislinger, E.
Kaiser Julian der Abtrnnige Koch, Wilhelm
Art of Late Rome and Byzantium in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Kondoleon, C.
(ed)
Geschichte der ersten lateinischen Patriarchen von Jerusalem Khn, Fritz
Greek Jewellery, 6000 Years of Tradition
Kypraiou, E.g.
E. (ed.)
The Economic History of Byzantium. From the Seventh through the Fifteenth Century Laiou, A.E.
Cities and Planning In the Ancient Near East Lampl, Paul
The Topography of Baghdad In the Early Middle Ages Lassner, J
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (Luke 12:19) Food and Wine in Byzantium
Leslie
Brubaker
Christianity and Paganism in the 4th to 8th Centuries
MacMullen,
Ramsey
Christianizing the Roman Empire: AD 100-400
MacMullen,
Ramsey
Byzantium: The Empire of the New Rome Mango, Cyril
The Emperor Julian
Martin, Edward
James
Byzantine Armies, AD 8861118,Men-At-Arms
McBride,
Angus
Sowing the Dragons Teeth. Byzantine Warfare In the Tenth Century McGeer, Eric
Byzantine Theology, Historical Trends and Doctrinal Themes
Meyerndorff,
John
Byzantium and the Rise of Russia
Meyerndorff,
John
Essays on the Crusades
Munro, Dana
Carleton
The Fourth Crusade
Munro, Dana
Carlton
Byzantine Silk Weaving ad 400 to ad 1200, Muthesius, A.
Material Culture and Well-Being in Byzantium (4001453) (Verffentlichungen zur
Byzanzforschung Muthesius, A.
Byzantium, the Islamic World, and India AD 476 1526 New Vanguard
Medieval Siege Weapons (2), Byzantium, the Islamic World, and India AD 476
1526 Nicolle David
Das Papstum und Byzanz
Norden, Dr.
Walter C.
Der Vierte Kreuzzug im Rahmen der Beziehungen ..
Norden, Dr.
Walter C.
Byzantium, The Early Centuries
Norwich, John
Julius
Byzantium, Vol. 2 The Apogee
Norwich, John
Julius
Byzantium, Vol. 3 The Decline and Fall
Norwich, John
Julius
The Byzantine Commonwealth
Obolensky,
Dimitri
The Remnants, 12th and 13th centuries. Byzantine objects in Turkey dekan, A.
The Social Structure of the Byzantine Countryside in the First Half of the Xth Century
Oikonomids,
N.
History of the Byzantine State
Ostrogorsky,
George
The Oxford History of Byzantium Oxford History
Studies In Indian Weapons and Warfare Pant, G
Crisis in Byzantium, The Filioque Controversy
Papadakis,
Aristeides
The destruction of the Greek Empire . Pears, Edwin
The Fall of Constantinople Pears, Edwin
History of the Crusades
Proctor,
George
A Research Strategy for Byzantine Archaeology, Byzantine Studies/tudes
byzantines Rosser, J.H.
The Eastern Schism: a Study of the Papacy and the Eastern Church
Runciman,
Steven
The emperor Romanus Lecapenus and His Reign
Runciman,
Steven
Redating some South Italian Frescoes: The First Layer at S. Pietro, Otranto, and the
Earliest Paintings at Sta Maria Della Croce, Casaranello Safran, L.
Byzantinische Grtelschnallen und Grtelbeschlge im Rmisch-Germanisches
Zentralmuseum I, Die Schnallen ohne Beschlg, mit Laschenbeschlg und mit Festem
Beschlg des 5. bis 7. Jahrhunderts, (Kataloge vor- und frhgeschichtlicher Altertmer
Band 30) Schulze M.
Geschichte des Untergangs der antiken Welt Seeck, Otto
The Fourth International Conference on the History of Bilad al-Sham During the
Umayyad Period Shick R. (ed)
The Filioque
Siecienski,
Edward
The Varangians and Byzantium Sigfus Blondal
The Late Roman Army Southern, Pat
Material Culture and Well-Being in Byzantium (4001453) (Verffentlichungen zur Stathakopoulos
Byzanzforschung , D.Ch.
Byzanz: Das Licht aus dem Osten. Kult und Alltag im Byzantinischen Reich vom 4. bis
15. Jahrhundert Stiegemann, C.
Venedig und die Wendung des vierten Kreuzzuges Streit Ludwig
Quatrime Croisade: La diversion sur Zara et Constantinople Tessier, Jules
Medieval Siege Weapons (2), Byzantium, the Islamic World, and India AD 476
1526
Thompson,
Sam
The Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople
Villehardouin,
Geffrey de
Robert de Clari ein altfranzsischer Chronist des IV Kreuzzuges Wanner, Ernst
The Making of Byzantium, 600-1025 Whittow, Mark
Byzantine Fortifications; an Introduction Winfield, David
The Glory of Byzantium. Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era, ad 8431261 Wixom, W.D.
DhikraSaif al Daula Wormhoudt, A