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The Byzantine Commonwealth: Eastern Europe 500-1453
Throughout much of the Middle Ages, Eastern Europe-the Balkans, Russia, Rumania and the land on either side of the Danube--was affected by Byzantine political and cultural influence. From the barbarian invasions to the Middle Ages, this is an illuminating read that demystifies the Balkans.
552 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
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About the author
Dimitri Obolensky
36 books15 followersScholar of Byzantium, the early medieval Balkans and Russia who could claim descent from Rurik.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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March 21, 2019A big, bold, detailed book about the development of the relationships between Byzantium and the states which developed to its western and northern frontiers. We see the missionary work, the growth of sophisticated states that take on or attempt to take on the mantle of the Byzantine empire ending in the Third Rome claims of the Muscovy of Ivan III (I don't think the claims of Bulgarian Trnovo to be the Third Rome are quite so thoroughly explored). Before the book gets as far north as Moscow it deals with the first and second Bulgarian Kingdoms, the Serbian monarchy, the conversion campaigns of Cyril and Methodius in the region of Great Moravia.
The commonwealth idea is probably a pretty unhelpful one unless one breaks it apart and redefines it, while one can talk of a cultural community - Prince Obolensky does not have to work hard to establish that, politically the emergent powers in that commonwealth were more keen on supplanting the 'mother-country' rather than honouring it, his focus falls largely on the Balkans and northern Russia, I don't recall Georgia or southern Italy entering in much to his vision, which might have taken his argument in curious new directions.
I bought it second hand and read it one summer in the back garden under the Jasmine, long fallen flowers now dried among the book's discoloured pages. I'm fairly sure that I only picked this book up on account of Rebecca West's Black Lamb and Grey Falcon.
The commonwealth idea is probably a pretty unhelpful one unless one breaks it apart and redefines it, while one can talk of a cultural community - Prince Obolensky does not have to work hard to establish that, politically the emergent powers in that commonwealth were more keen on supplanting the 'mother-country' rather than honouring it, his focus falls largely on the Balkans and northern Russia, I don't recall Georgia or southern Italy entering in much to his vision, which might have taken his argument in curious new directions.
I bought it second hand and read it one summer in the back garden under the Jasmine, long fallen flowers now dried among the book's discoloured pages. I'm fairly sure that I only picked this book up on account of Rebecca West's Black Lamb and Grey Falcon.
July 7, 2013
This is in my opinion the most important and relevant book on the Eastern Europe written in English. Starting from the turbulent times of Byzantine Empire many of the conclusions and parallels can be drawn with political and cultural history of Eastern Europe inside the EU. Anyone who would seriously like to understand Balkans and Slavic East in the EU, should read this book!
February 18, 2018
This was on the reading list for Byzantine studies years ago, and it is one of the books that stands out for me. It is an excellent history of Byzantium, and explains how Byzantine influence spread thoughtout Eastern Europe and Russia during the medieval period, shaping these regions.
December 17, 2020
Masterfully written. New dimension of history, for us born in the territories once orbitting this commonwealth.
March 9, 2018
Context: I'm purely an amateur/enthusiast when it comes to Byzantine history, though I try to read widely and eclectically.
This book has two primary virtues. First, from time to time, it manages to offer incredible snapshots of historical moments; it is impossible to forget its expansion of a medieval description of the route between modern-day Russia and Constantinople, nor will I forget the Bogomills, one of the more fascinating groups of schismatic Christians whose influence Obolensky traces throughout Eastern Europe.
Second, there is the key argument in itself. The book brings together Byzantine geopolitical tactics (the source of their infamous reputation as erudite, lying Greeks) and cultural influence. Its central argument is that these two came together in a "Byzantine commonwealth," a group of nations who shared a general network of cultural affinities, and often shared at least a theoretical belief in the supremacy of the Emperor of the East Roman Empire (even as they often warred against him or resisted his incursions on local interests). Obolensky paints a pretty convincing portrait of this as a far less rigid sort of structure than Western suzerainty, and yet one with a great deal of internal cohesion.
If you're as fascinated either by the Byzantine Empire or by practices of "soft power" and accomodation, then this is certainly worth picking up.
This book has two primary virtues. First, from time to time, it manages to offer incredible snapshots of historical moments; it is impossible to forget its expansion of a medieval description of the route between modern-day Russia and Constantinople, nor will I forget the Bogomills, one of the more fascinating groups of schismatic Christians whose influence Obolensky traces throughout Eastern Europe.
Second, there is the key argument in itself. The book brings together Byzantine geopolitical tactics (the source of their infamous reputation as erudite, lying Greeks) and cultural influence. Its central argument is that these two came together in a "Byzantine commonwealth," a group of nations who shared a general network of cultural affinities, and often shared at least a theoretical belief in the supremacy of the Emperor of the East Roman Empire (even as they often warred against him or resisted his incursions on local interests). Obolensky paints a pretty convincing portrait of this as a far less rigid sort of structure than Western suzerainty, and yet one with a great deal of internal cohesion.
If you're as fascinated either by the Byzantine Empire or by practices of "soft power" and accomodation, then this is certainly worth picking up.
May 2, 2023
Since the influence of Byzantium was so pervasive, this is in effect a history of Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages. That may seem, from a Western perspective, an obscure subject; but as the divide between East and West hardened, it became a source of antagonism that is still today shaping the unfortunate relations between Russia (which considered itself the heir of Byzantium) and the West. It would be better for all if Westerners had more understanding of the issue. As a British Russian, Dimitri Obolensky handles it impartially but sympathetically.
By its title, the book implicitly compares the cultural influence of Byzantium to that of the British Empire. It’s a striking thought. No-one in Britain would use that notion now. Having diffused our influence around the world, we have now told everybody that it is actually a bad thing – even though it is only that very influence which allows more traditional cultures to receive such an idea as relativism. It’s a shame. We have largely thrown away our power for good. The problem, the difference, is that Byzantium when its political power faded retained its influence above all through the church; but our culture is now a spiritual hollow. What have we to offer people? No real ideals, only comfort and ease. That’s nice but it doesn’t inspire. We’re now, already, like Byzantium at its fag* end, in the C14th & C15th, an object of contemptuous bewilderment that we could have sunk so low (and this largely through ill-judged attempts to restore national pride and prestige!). We’re lucky that, unlike the Byzantines, our cultural progeny (in America) are willing to shield us in our weakness.
*In the British sense = cigarette
By its title, the book implicitly compares the cultural influence of Byzantium to that of the British Empire. It’s a striking thought. No-one in Britain would use that notion now. Having diffused our influence around the world, we have now told everybody that it is actually a bad thing – even though it is only that very influence which allows more traditional cultures to receive such an idea as relativism. It’s a shame. We have largely thrown away our power for good. The problem, the difference, is that Byzantium when its political power faded retained its influence above all through the church; but our culture is now a spiritual hollow. What have we to offer people? No real ideals, only comfort and ease. That’s nice but it doesn’t inspire. We’re now, already, like Byzantium at its fag* end, in the C14th & C15th, an object of contemptuous bewilderment that we could have sunk so low (and this largely through ill-judged attempts to restore national pride and prestige!). We’re lucky that, unlike the Byzantines, our cultural progeny (in America) are willing to shield us in our weakness.
*In the British sense = cigarette
July 8, 2018
Ваквиве книги се задолжително да се препрочитаат неколку пати во животот. Особено ако поле на интерес ви е средновековната историја на Источна Европа.
February 21, 2013
El mejor libro que existe al respecto.
April 9, 2012
Must read book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews