Over the past fifty years, the history and culture of the Byzantine empire has ceased to be the preserve of a few scholars and is now taught and debated in universities all over the world. This book provides an introduction to the source material and to the very best recent writing on the empire's political history (306-1453), its art, army, religion, literature and economy. Recent developments in gender studies and archaeology are also explored. The book will be of interest to university students and anyone interested in understanding the ongoing debates about this mysterious and perplexing yet fascinating society.Political History (306-602); R.Mathisen Political History (602-1025); S.Tougher Political History (1025-1204); P.Stephenson Political History (1204-1453); J.Harris Gender; D.Smythe Art; C.Barber Church; J.Baun Army and Defence; W.Treadgold Literature; A.Littlewood Economy; A.Harvey Monasticism; A.Talbot Archaeology; K.Dark
'A comprehensive and entertaining introduction to the world of Byzantium, this guide provides an accessible overview of the politics, religion and culture of the East Roman Empire from the beginning of the fourth century to 1453. Offering surveys of both primary sources and the most recent scholarship, it will be a valuable tool for all students of Byzantium.' - Dr Fiona Haarer, Classics Department, King's College London, University of London
'...essential for the future progress and coherence of the field.' - Anthony Kaldellis, Department of Greek and Latin, Ohio State University
'...an indispensable teaching tool.' - Professor Michael John Angold, School of History and Classics, University of Edinburgh
CHARLES BARBER Associate Professor in the History of Art, University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USAJANE BAUN Fellow of Greyfriars Hall, Oxford, and Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Hellenic Studies, King's College London, UKKEN DARK Director, Research Centre for Late Antique anlƒ8