The Oxford History of Byzantium

The Oxford History of Byzantium is the only history to provide in concise form detailed coverage of Byzantium from its Roman beginnings to the fall of Constantinople and assimilation into the Turkish Empire. Lively essays and beautiful illustrations portray the emergence and development of a distinctive civilization, covering the period from the fourth century to the mid-fifteenth century. The authors - all working at the cutting edge of their particularfields - outline the political history of the Byzantine state and bring to life the evolution of a colourful culture.In AD 324, the Emperor Constantine the Great chose Byzantion, an ancientGreek colony at the mouth of the Thracian Bosphorous, as his imperial residence. He renamed the place 'Constaninopolis nova Roma', 'Constantinople, the new Rome' and the city (modern Istanbul) became the Eastern capital of the later Roman empire. The new Rome outlived the old and Constantine's successors continued to regard themselves as the legitimate emperors of Rome, just as their subjects called themselves Romaioi, or Romans long after they had forgotten the Latin language. In the sixteenthcentury, Western humanists gave this eastern Roman empire ruled from Constantinople the epithet 'Byzantine'.Against a backdrop of stories of emperors, intrigues, battles, andbishops, this Oxford History uncovers the hidden mechanisms - economic, social, and demographic - that underlay the history of events. The authors explore everyday life in cities and villages, manufacture and trade, machinery of government, the church as an instrument of state, minorities, education, literary activity, beliefs and superstitions, monasticism, iconoclasm, the rise of Islam, and the fusion with Western, or Latin, culture. Byzantium linked the ancient and modern worlds, shapingtraditions and handing down to both Eastern and Western civilization a vibrant legacy.

“'This new translation differs in that it covers Theophanes' entire workwith a thorough commentary. The commentary displays conciseness, wide knowledge,and sound judgment throughout. This study supersedes all previous work on thissubject. Both Roger Scott and Cyril Mango desrve tribute for their effort, whichsets new standards for others to follow.'Norman Tobias”

Review from other book by this author provides the first complete English translation of the Chronicle of Theophanes Confessor. ... Cyril Mango ... and Roger Scott ... have performed a great scholarly service. ... The translation is smooth and readable and can even manage to give a sense of the variety of materials the author has drawn from. Notes to the translation are primarily interested in giving background on historical events. Excellent indicescompiled by Geoffrey Greatrex make the volume easy to use. ... every institutional library should possess a copy.'Derek Kruger, Journal of Early Christian StudiesThe Chronicle of Theophanes Confessor... a source of Byzantine history here which is of the utmost importance. THis full English translation with explanatory notes makes the work very accessible.'Martin Parmentier, BijdragenThis new translation differs in that it covers Theophanes' entire work with a thorough commentary. The commentary displays conciseness, wide knowledge, and sound judgment throughout. This study supersedes all previous work on this subject. Both Roger Scott and Cyril Mango desrve tribute for their effort, which sets new standards for others to follow.'Norman TobiasThe editors provide expert guidance through all the intricate problems. Every library of medieval studies, especially Byzantine Iconoclasm, should own this definitive translation with its astute and learned commentary, glossary, and helpful indexes.'Michael Maas, Religious Studies Review

Cyril Mango was Bywater and Sotheby Professor of Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature at Oxford until his retirement.

The Oxford History of Byzantium is the only history to provide in concise form detailed coverage of Byzantium from its Roman beginnings to the fall of Constantinople and assimilation into the Turkish Empire. Lively essays and beautiful illustrations portray the emergence and development of a distinctive civilization, covering the period from the fourth century to the mid-fifteenth century. The authors - all working at the cutting edge of their particular fields - outline the political history of the Byzantine state and bring to life the evolution of a colourful culture.In AD 324, the Emperor Constantine the Great chose Byzantion, an ancient Greek colony at the mouth of the Thracian Bosphorous, as his imperial residence. He renamed the place 'Constaninopolis nova Roma', 'Constantinople, the new Rome' and the city (modern Istanbul) became the Eastern capital of the later Roman empire. The new Rome outlived the old and Constantine's successors continued to regard themselves as the legitimate emperors of Rome, just as their subjects called themselves Romaioi, or Romans long after they had forgotten the Latin language. In the sixteenth century, Western humanists gave this eastern Roman empire ruled from Constantinople the epithet 'Byzantine'.Against a backdrop of stories of emperors, intrigues, battles, and bishops, this Oxford History uncovers the hidden mechanisms - economic, social, and demographic - that underlay the history of events. The authors explore everyday life in cities and villages, manufacture and trade, machinery of government, the church as an instrument of state, minorities, education, literary activity, beliefs and superstitions, monasticism, iconoclasm, the rise of Islam, and the fusion with Western, or Latin, culture. Byzantium linked the ancient and modern worlds, shaping traditions and handing down to both Eastern and Western civilization a vibrant legacy.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.