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Historia Universal Asimov #7
Constantinopla / Constantinople: El imperio olvidado / The Forgotten Empire (Spanish Edition) by Isaac Asimov
'Constantinopla' describe los orígenes, el ascenso, el apogeo y la decadencia de ese 'imperio olvidado' que fue el Imperio Bizantino, desde la fundación de Bizancio en el año 657 a.C., hasta su caída en 1453 y el comienzo de la hegemonía turca.Asimov se nos revela como un autor bastante entretenido en el escrito histórico y nos desvela la historia de una civilización cercana y a la vez sumamente desconocida para el ciudadano occidental.Un libro muy entretenido y recomendable para los aficcionados a la historia.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
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About the author
Isaac Asimov
4,336 books27.8k followersWorks of prolific Russian-American writer Isaac Asimov include popular explanations of scientific principles,
The Foundation Trilogy
(1951-1953), and other volumes of fiction.
Isaac Asimov, a professor of biochemistry, wrote as a highly successful author, best known for his books.
Asimov, professor, generally considered of all time, edited more than five hundred books and ninety thousand letters and postcards. He published in nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey decimal classification but lacked only an entry in the category of philosophy (100).
People widely considered Asimov, a master of the genre alongside Robert Anson Heinlein and Arthur Charles Clarke as the "big three" during his lifetime. He later tied Galactic Empire and the Robot into the same universe as his most famous series to create a unified "future history" for his stories much like those that Heinlein pioneered and Cordwainer Smith and Poul Anderson previously produced. He penned "Nightfall," voted in 1964 as the best short story of all time; many persons still honor this title. He also produced well mysteries, fantasy, and a great quantity of nonfiction. Asimov used Paul French, the pen name, for the Lucky Starr, series of juvenile novels.
Most books of Asimov in a historical way go as far back to a time with possible question or concept at its simplest stage. He often provides and mentions well nationalities, birth, and death dates for persons and etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms. Guide to Science, the tripartite set Understanding Physics, and Chronology of Science and Discovery exemplify these books.
Asimov, a long-time member, reluctantly served as vice president of Mensa international and described some members of that organization as "brain-proud and aggressive about their IQs." He took more pleasure as president of the humanist association. The asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov's Science Fiction, an elementary school in Brooklyn in New York, and two different awards honor his name.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_As...
Isaac Asimov, a professor of biochemistry, wrote as a highly successful author, best known for his books.
Asimov, professor, generally considered of all time, edited more than five hundred books and ninety thousand letters and postcards. He published in nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey decimal classification but lacked only an entry in the category of philosophy (100).
People widely considered Asimov, a master of the genre alongside Robert Anson Heinlein and Arthur Charles Clarke as the "big three" during his lifetime. He later tied Galactic Empire and the Robot into the same universe as his most famous series to create a unified "future history" for his stories much like those that Heinlein pioneered and Cordwainer Smith and Poul Anderson previously produced. He penned "Nightfall," voted in 1964 as the best short story of all time; many persons still honor this title. He also produced well mysteries, fantasy, and a great quantity of nonfiction. Asimov used Paul French, the pen name, for the Lucky Starr, series of juvenile novels.
Most books of Asimov in a historical way go as far back to a time with possible question or concept at its simplest stage. He often provides and mentions well nationalities, birth, and death dates for persons and etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms. Guide to Science, the tripartite set Understanding Physics, and Chronology of Science and Discovery exemplify these books.
Asimov, a long-time member, reluctantly served as vice president of Mensa international and described some members of that organization as "brain-proud and aggressive about their IQs." He took more pleasure as president of the humanist association. The asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov's Science Fiction, an elementary school in Brooklyn in New York, and two different awards honor his name.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_As...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 21, 2021
Solo Asimov puede narrarte una historia de casi dos mil años, en las que se mezclan absurdas discusiones entre iconoclastas, monofisistas y demás, junto a sangrientos crímenes de reinas que le arrancan los ojos a sus hijos (Game of Thrones les queda chico) y temas más cotidianos, como la invención del tenedor, con la pasión de un gran divulgador y que te dan ganas de ir corriendo a conocer Estambul.
September 26, 2009
Asimov continues his survey of history after the Roman Empire in Constantinople: The Forgotten Empire. Asimov argues, rather persuasively, that Western Europe and subsequently the modern world has largely overlooked the critical role that the Byzantine Empire played in Europe's history. Without the strength and determination, scrappy at times, of its Christian emperors and generals, Europe would have been swallowed under waves of invaders and likely never have had time to find its way out of the Dark Ages.
In its more than thousand-year history, Constantinople saw itself as the New Rome -- which was, after all, its official name when Constantine moved his capital from Rome to the old Byzantion/Byzantium on the spit of land overlooking the Bosphorus. While Western Europe recovered through the Middle Ages, Christian Constantinople carried the light of ancient learning, law and art forward. Unfortunately, it spoke Greek and its theologians disagreed with those in Rome, ultimately contributing to a religious break with the West.
Not only has the West forgotten what Constantinople did for it, Latin Crusaders in the early 13th century sacked the city and destroyed much of the treasures preserved from the ancients.
In its more than thousand-year history, Constantinople saw itself as the New Rome -- which was, after all, its official name when Constantine moved his capital from Rome to the old Byzantion/Byzantium on the spit of land overlooking the Bosphorus. While Western Europe recovered through the Middle Ages, Christian Constantinople carried the light of ancient learning, law and art forward. Unfortunately, it spoke Greek and its theologians disagreed with those in Rome, ultimately contributing to a religious break with the West.
Not only has the West forgotten what Constantinople did for it, Latin Crusaders in the early 13th century sacked the city and destroyed much of the treasures preserved from the ancients.
July 2, 2023
Está un poco desfasada en algunas cosas pero es un texto muy ameno y gana mucho gracias al estilo con que Asimov cuenta las cosas.
May 25, 2015
Leí este libro durante mi visita a Estanbul, tal vez eso hizo que me gustara muchísimo. Pero por otro lado, todos los libros que leí de esta colección me han atrapado y me han hecho terminarlos muy rápido. Asimov es un excelente storyteller, y me gustó particularmente la crítica que hacía sobre la poca importancia relativa que los historiadores occidentales -y la educación- le han dado al Imperio Bizantino, por el rol que éste ha tenido dándole forma al mundo como lo es hoy.
El 70% del relato es cautivante, aunque tengo que confesar que los últimos años (salvo las últimas páginas en las que cae el Imperio) son un poco repetitivas y Asimov me da la impresión que las hace sólo por cumplir. Eso es comprensible, si es que vemos que en esos años el imperio se hacía cada vez menos relevante en el mundo.
Aun así lo recomiendo plenamente, así como cualquier otro libro de historia escrito por Asimov.
El 70% del relato es cautivante, aunque tengo que confesar que los últimos años (salvo las últimas páginas en las que cae el Imperio) son un poco repetitivas y Asimov me da la impresión que las hace sólo por cumplir. Eso es comprensible, si es que vemos que en esos años el imperio se hacía cada vez menos relevante en el mundo.
Aun así lo recomiendo plenamente, así como cualquier otro libro de historia escrito por Asimov.
May 30, 2017
This was my earliest exposure to Byzantine history. I was perhaps 11 years old when I checked this book out of the library and eagerly devoured it. After over a decade I am surprised by how much has remained with me. I think I checked it out and read it two more times after that, but then one day it was gone! The library - with the tendency that public libraries have developed over the last decade or two, to get rid of books and fill up the space with computers and movies and even video games! - had got rid of it, as well as the other Isaac Asimov history books (several of which I had browsed prior to their elimination, but none of which had caught my fancy quite like this one).
August 23, 2025
Hace lo que tiene que hacer, te cuenta la historia de uno de los imperios occidentales más olvidados por occidente.
Muy chulo
Muy chulo
November 12, 2015
Trata del imperio romano oriental que no cayó cuando occidente se dejo manosear de los barbaros de todas partes.
Son las historias y datos del transito de los pueblos que habitaron Asia, Europa y Oriente entre la caída de Roma y la llegada del Renacimiento.
Aquí alcanzamos a entender un poco la ambición de pueblos y tribus muy poderosas que hoy en día marcan el ritmo del mundo actual.
Desde niño en clase de historia, por allá en un pedacito del cerebro me habían quedado muchas preguntas sobre el Imperio Bizantino, y por fin comienzo a resolverlas.
Hoy, tengo una pata en la antigüedad y otra en la modernidad en mi aprendizaje (superficial) de la historia universal. Y como siempre, es muy entretenido aprenderlo de la pluma de Asimov.
Son las historias y datos del transito de los pueblos que habitaron Asia, Europa y Oriente entre la caída de Roma y la llegada del Renacimiento.
Aquí alcanzamos a entender un poco la ambición de pueblos y tribus muy poderosas que hoy en día marcan el ritmo del mundo actual.
Desde niño en clase de historia, por allá en un pedacito del cerebro me habían quedado muchas preguntas sobre el Imperio Bizantino, y por fin comienzo a resolverlas.
Hoy, tengo una pata en la antigüedad y otra en la modernidad en mi aprendizaje (superficial) de la historia universal. Y como siempre, es muy entretenido aprenderlo de la pluma de Asimov.
July 2, 2019
The fall of Constantinople as a city starting with the crusaders' pillaging just made me feel heartbroken. Truly forgotten empire with irreplaceable legacy to the western world, underappreciated by all means.
Looking forward to come back to lovely Istanbul, prosperous city on the shore of the Bosphorus, the city of the empires, the living history and culture of the past centuries.
Looking forward to come back to lovely Istanbul, prosperous city on the shore of the Bosphorus, the city of the empires, the living history and culture of the past centuries.
August 10, 2020
Como tal, basándome en gustos particulares, le habría dado 4 estrellas al libro, sin embargo quedé demasiado sorprendida con la recopilación de información y la divulgación que Asimov llevó a cabo sobre el imperio bizantino; demasiada historia, nombres, lugares y eventos detallados por lo cual considero que es un libro que merece las 5 estrellas.
March 13, 2016
This review first appeared at https://darrengoossens.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/a-pleasant-overview-a-review-of-constantinople-the-forgotten-empire-by-isaac-asimov/
Constantinople: The Forgotten Empire by Isaac Asimov, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1970. 293 pages.
This book charts the life of the Eastern Roman Empire, now known to us as the Byzantine, from the time of Diocletian and Constantine through to the final fall of Constantinople in 1453 and, in a brief epilogue, beyond.
Constantinople: The Forgotten Empire by Isaac Asimov. Dust jacket.
Each chapter begins with a line drawing, each section with a smaller drawing, about the size of a stamp, and maps of the Mediterranean and surrounds show the fluctuating fortunes of the empire, or at least of its geographical extent.
This is a most excellent introductory history. Asimov writes with sympathy and clarity, and a thoughtful awareness of how history is written by the victors and rarely without an axe to grind. Thus we get sections like:
This is why this is such a great introductory history -- it would help put the reader on guard against other, less empathic writers, who are less inclined to distrust the histories of the time.
Similarly, Asimov is well known as a story-teller, and I think this helps him put himself into the position of key figures. For example, the great Heraclius, who saved the empire from the Persians, is often castigated for his lack of resolve in facing the rise of Islam; and yet Asimov points out he was 60 and had been at war all his life and he and the army were simply exhausted. Asimov is able to see these figures as humans in their time, and this brings us closer to them as people, even if they only get a few paragraphs to themselves. We can have more sympathy for their failings, even as we shake our heads at their foolishness.
The author relates the goings on of the church, the tension with Rome and within the empire, the enduring problems of Monophysitism, the Filioque, Monothelitism, Arianism, Iconoclasm and God knows what. In the end the refrain repeated by so many of the easterners when their emperor sought help from the west against the Turks -- "Better the Sultan's turban than the Pope's mitre'' (there are many similar versions), becomes one of the saner statements in the whole story. Asimov conveys it all in a straightforward way, pointing out the cost to the empire of these controversies but seeing them from both sides. The 'odious' (if I recall my Norwich) Michael Psellus is possibly dealt with too generously, but that is more evidence of the humanism of the author; figures are judged (when the author does judge, as in the last sentence of the quote above) on the quality of their service to the greater cause, not on their religious beliefs, which Asimov the atheist is wise enough to see were in most cases perfectly reasonable for the time, and (I suspect) as all equally (in)valid.
Through it all, the single greatest weakness of the Byzantine -- and the Roman -- state becomes clear; the succession. So much energy is wasted in civil war, so many apparently ruthless figures ascend to the throne only to prove inadequate to the task.
Nice work, Isaac.
History.
Constantinople: The Forgotten Empire by Isaac Asimov, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1970. 293 pages.
This book charts the life of the Eastern Roman Empire, now known to us as the Byzantine, from the time of Diocletian and Constantine through to the final fall of Constantinople in 1453 and, in a brief epilogue, beyond.
Constantinople: The Forgotten Empire by Isaac Asimov. Dust jacket.Each chapter begins with a line drawing, each section with a smaller drawing, about the size of a stamp, and maps of the Mediterranean and surrounds show the fluctuating fortunes of the empire, or at least of its geographical extent.
This is a most excellent introductory history. Asimov writes with sympathy and clarity, and a thoughtful awareness of how history is written by the victors and rarely without an axe to grind. Thus we get sections like:
If Iconoclasm had won out in the end, there is no question but that Leo III -- saviour of Christianity, smasher of the Arabs, reorganiser of the empire, mild-hearted reformer of the law -- would have gone down in history as one if its greatest and most enlightened rulers. But because Iconoclasm did not, in the end, succeed, he remained at the mercy of chroniclers who were, for the most part, monks and who considered him a devilish heretic. As a result, his great name is unfairly obscured in history.
This is why this is such a great introductory history -- it would help put the reader on guard against other, less empathic writers, who are less inclined to distrust the histories of the time.
Similarly, Asimov is well known as a story-teller, and I think this helps him put himself into the position of key figures. For example, the great Heraclius, who saved the empire from the Persians, is often castigated for his lack of resolve in facing the rise of Islam; and yet Asimov points out he was 60 and had been at war all his life and he and the army were simply exhausted. Asimov is able to see these figures as humans in their time, and this brings us closer to them as people, even if they only get a few paragraphs to themselves. We can have more sympathy for their failings, even as we shake our heads at their foolishness.
The author relates the goings on of the church, the tension with Rome and within the empire, the enduring problems of Monophysitism, the Filioque, Monothelitism, Arianism, Iconoclasm and God knows what. In the end the refrain repeated by so many of the easterners when their emperor sought help from the west against the Turks -- "Better the Sultan's turban than the Pope's mitre'' (there are many similar versions), becomes one of the saner statements in the whole story. Asimov conveys it all in a straightforward way, pointing out the cost to the empire of these controversies but seeing them from both sides. The 'odious' (if I recall my Norwich) Michael Psellus is possibly dealt with too generously, but that is more evidence of the humanism of the author; figures are judged (when the author does judge, as in the last sentence of the quote above) on the quality of their service to the greater cause, not on their religious beliefs, which Asimov the atheist is wise enough to see were in most cases perfectly reasonable for the time, and (I suspect) as all equally (in)valid.
Through it all, the single greatest weakness of the Byzantine -- and the Roman -- state becomes clear; the succession. So much energy is wasted in civil war, so many apparently ruthless figures ascend to the throne only to prove inadequate to the task.
Nice work, Isaac.
History.
February 8, 2017
La cotinuación lógica tras "La República Romana" (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...) y "El Imperio Romano" (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...) es este "Constantinopla" que si bien empieza el recorrido histórico desde la fundación de Bizancio en el 657 a.C. realmente se centra en el periodo que va desde la refundación de la ciudad como Constantinopla hasta su caída en 1453.
En su particular estilo de divulgación, Asimov hace un increíble y bastante ameno resumen de los principales hechos que acontecieron al Imperio de Oriente, con numerosas referencias y explicaciones tanto de las circunstancias que motivaron dichos hechos, como de sus consecuencias presentes y futuras, lo que ayuda a conocer, no sólo la historia en sí del imperio Bizantino sino también de su influencia en las sociedades circundantes y por extensión en el mundo actual.
Una lectura más que recomendable para adentrarse en la historia de una nación europea frecuentemente olvidada en la historia de Europa Occidental.
En su particular estilo de divulgación, Asimov hace un increíble y bastante ameno resumen de los principales hechos que acontecieron al Imperio de Oriente, con numerosas referencias y explicaciones tanto de las circunstancias que motivaron dichos hechos, como de sus consecuencias presentes y futuras, lo que ayuda a conocer, no sólo la historia en sí del imperio Bizantino sino también de su influencia en las sociedades circundantes y por extensión en el mundo actual.
Una lectura más que recomendable para adentrarse en la historia de una nación europea frecuentemente olvidada en la historia de Europa Occidental.
May 28, 2016
Una historia abreviada del Imperio Romano de Oriente y como no, es un compendio de golpes de estado, asesinatos, cegar, cortar narices y otras mutilaciones para llegar al poder. Se conoce que los futuros Emperadores no leían mucha historia, sino habría menos candidatos para el cargo, casi todos terminaban mal, muy pocos disfrutaron de un retiro digno y una muerte por vejez. La historia del Imperio de Oriente no se diferencia mucho del de Occidente, claro, el de Oriente duró mil años mas, así que hay mas masacres y guerras sin sentido.
La lectura es amena y fácil de leer, y por fortuna no es un libre muy extenso
La lectura es amena y fácil de leer, y por fortuna no es un libre muy extenso
January 22, 2014
Excelenete narración que hace de este texto histórico un manjar difícil de dejar a un lado. Devoré este libro en cuatro noches y pensaba todo el día en él y al dormir, fantaseaba con sus sucesos con la maravilla que fue el Imperio Bizantino y su herencia romana. Gracias Asimov.
May 15, 2013
Given the uncomfortable statistical likelihood of being deposed, eye gouged, and banished to a monastery, I'm surprised demand for a seat upon the Byzantine throne was as high as it was.
November 3, 2024
As someone who knew almost nothing about the Byzantine Empire, this book was a fantastic introduction. Part of Asimov’s series on ancient cities and civilizations, "Constantinople" provides a concise yet vivid summary of the city’s complex history. Starting with its roots as the Greek colony of Byzantium, then rising to prominence as Constantinople under the Eastern Roman Empire, and finally its transformation into Istanbul under Ottoman rule, the book showcases how this city served as a vital bridge between Europe and Asia.
What I loved most is that the book offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Middle Ages beyond the traditional focus on Western European kings and kingdoms. Asimov’s storytelling is accessible and engaging, bringing to life the cultural, political, and religious developments that defined the Byzantine Empire and set it apart as a powerful alternative to Western Europe. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking for an overview of a fascinating chapter in history often overshadowed in mainstream narratives.
Asimov also captures many pivotal moments: the split between the Western and Eastern Roman Empires, setting Byzantium on its unique path; and the impact of figures like Emperor Justinian and his brilliant general, Belisarius, whose campaigns almost reunited the empire. The book brings to life Byzantium’s defense against relentless threats from the Sassanids, Arabs, Bulgarians, Serbians, Mongols, Turks and many others. Asimov also emphasizes the importance of the Varangian Guard, including figures like Harald Hardrada, and describes the disastrous Fourth Crusade, when Crusaders sacked Constantinople, establishing a Latin dynasty.
Constantinople’s history was deeply shaped by religious struggles and variations within Christianity itself. Asimov illustrates the conflicts between Popes in Rome and Patriarchs in Constantinople over religious doctrines and authority, which fueled the tension that eventually led to the Great Schism. The book captures the complex interplay between spiritual and political power, showing how these religious rifts influenced Byzantine relations with Western Europe.
Furthermore, Asimov highlights the influential roles of the Venetian and Genoese merchants, who gained significant power within the empire due to their trade dominance. Their rivalry and influence often complicated Byzantium’s politics, especially during times of crisis when the empire relied on these merchants for resources and military aid.
Overall, the book is an enlightening and highly readable account of one of history’s most remarkable empires, full of fascinating details that make this story unforgettable.
What I loved most is that the book offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Middle Ages beyond the traditional focus on Western European kings and kingdoms. Asimov’s storytelling is accessible and engaging, bringing to life the cultural, political, and religious developments that defined the Byzantine Empire and set it apart as a powerful alternative to Western Europe. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking for an overview of a fascinating chapter in history often overshadowed in mainstream narratives.
Asimov also captures many pivotal moments: the split between the Western and Eastern Roman Empires, setting Byzantium on its unique path; and the impact of figures like Emperor Justinian and his brilliant general, Belisarius, whose campaigns almost reunited the empire. The book brings to life Byzantium’s defense against relentless threats from the Sassanids, Arabs, Bulgarians, Serbians, Mongols, Turks and many others. Asimov also emphasizes the importance of the Varangian Guard, including figures like Harald Hardrada, and describes the disastrous Fourth Crusade, when Crusaders sacked Constantinople, establishing a Latin dynasty.
Constantinople’s history was deeply shaped by religious struggles and variations within Christianity itself. Asimov illustrates the conflicts between Popes in Rome and Patriarchs in Constantinople over religious doctrines and authority, which fueled the tension that eventually led to the Great Schism. The book captures the complex interplay between spiritual and political power, showing how these religious rifts influenced Byzantine relations with Western Europe.
Furthermore, Asimov highlights the influential roles of the Venetian and Genoese merchants, who gained significant power within the empire due to their trade dominance. Their rivalry and influence often complicated Byzantium’s politics, especially during times of crisis when the empire relied on these merchants for resources and military aid.
Overall, the book is an enlightening and highly readable account of one of history’s most remarkable empires, full of fascinating details that make this story unforgettable.
June 27, 2020
Es la primera vez que me sumerjo en un libro de Historia Universal.
Debo reconocer que Isaac Asimov cuenta casi 2,000 años de historia de una manera muy sencilla y fluida lo cual ayuda a no ser tedioso. (Quizá lo único que debes tener en mente es la cantidad de nombres que aparecerán)
Debo decir que aprendí demasiado con este libro, historia, geografía, imperios, nombres, etc y poco a poco comienzas a tener en mente una línea del tiempo la cual con todos estos datos la vas llenando y vas aclarando muchas cosas que antes nos parecían "normales".
Constantinopla o el imperio Bizantino no es de los más nombrados y famosos dentro de la historia que nos cuentan en escuelas (y como el nombre de este libro lo dice "El Imperio olvidado") pero por tiempos fue el imperio más grande de Europa
Sin duda, seguire leyendo más libros de esta serie de Isaac Asimov de Historia Universal.
Debo reconocer que Isaac Asimov cuenta casi 2,000 años de historia de una manera muy sencilla y fluida lo cual ayuda a no ser tedioso. (Quizá lo único que debes tener en mente es la cantidad de nombres que aparecerán)
Debo decir que aprendí demasiado con este libro, historia, geografía, imperios, nombres, etc y poco a poco comienzas a tener en mente una línea del tiempo la cual con todos estos datos la vas llenando y vas aclarando muchas cosas que antes nos parecían "normales".
Constantinopla o el imperio Bizantino no es de los más nombrados y famosos dentro de la historia que nos cuentan en escuelas (y como el nombre de este libro lo dice "El Imperio olvidado") pero por tiempos fue el imperio más grande de Europa
Sin duda, seguire leyendo más libros de esta serie de Isaac Asimov de Historia Universal.
January 29, 2022
Continuando con las lecturas de historia de Asimov le toca el turno a los bizantinos. Es sabido que Asimov profesaba gran admiración por el trabajo de Gibbon acerca del imperio romano, así que lo que leemos tiene gran influencia del autor del siglo XVIII. Es dinámico para narrarnos situaciones de los emperadores y uno que otro dato acerca del pueblo y la cultura pero a veces su visión acerca de Europa le sorprende, por ejemplo, menciona que gracias a la defensa del cristianismo por parte de Constantinopla se hizo una defensa de Europa, como si la sola idea de una Europa no-cristiana fuera tan terrible o como si Europa y cristianismo fueran una unidad indisoluble. Fuera de eso sirve mucho para ubicarse temporalmente en la historia de las civilizaciones y conocer varios datos importantes en cuanto se trata de la historia de guerras y gobernantes.
October 27, 2024
El libro resume los más de 2000 años de historia de Constantinopla, desde que empezara siendo una colonia griega hasta su toma por los turcos. Es una lectura muy amena, si bien al ser tan breve algunos acontecimientos suceden tan rápido que cuesta asimilar toda la información, sobre todo cuando se trata de conflictos y sucesiones de reyes. Lo que menos me ha gustado ha sido el final, es muy abruto. Se explica la caída de Constantinopla en apenas dos páginas, sin incurrir en detalles cuando debería ser una de las partes en las que más se debería detener el autor. Por lo demás es una lectura muy recomendable si estás interesado en conocer la historia general del Imperio Bizantino.
February 4, 2025
A book that summarises in less than 300 pages the fascinating and usually forgotten and neglected history of the Byzantine Empire.
Asimov is right when he says that Byzantium has been unfairly relegated from history as we learn it in the West. I can attest to this. That is why I was interestedin the first place.
The book is nothing more than an entertaining and light account that will obviously not satisfy scholars, but which serves perfectly as an introduction and feeds the desire to know more. All of this with Asimov's clear and enjoyable vision that occasionally peppers the facts with sharp comments.
Highly recommended.
Asimov is right when he says that Byzantium has been unfairly relegated from history as we learn it in the West. I can attest to this. That is why I was interestedin the first place.
The book is nothing more than an entertaining and light account that will obviously not satisfy scholars, but which serves perfectly as an introduction and feeds the desire to know more. All of this with Asimov's clear and enjoyable vision that occasionally peppers the facts with sharp comments.
Highly recommended.
April 30, 2020
Another great introductory book on history by Isaac Asimov. It was obviously written with high-schoolers as readers in mind, so the accent is made on "interesting and captivating" politics and warfare, and not "dull and boring" economics and culture. Still, if you know nothing at all about the Byzantine Empire, it's a great source of broad-strokes information.
By the way, this book (and, as of today, ten other history books by Asimov) can be read for free on archive.org
Long live the Digital Renaissance!
By the way, this book (and, as of today, ten other history books by Asimov) can be read for free on archive.org
Long live the Digital Renaissance!
March 7, 2018
Desde la fundación de la ciudad por los griegos con el nombre de Bizancio en el siglo vii ac, pasando a ser capital del Imperio Romano por Constantino llamándola Constantinopla, su apogeo con Justiniano y el Imperio Bizantino (Imperio Romano del Oriente) y terminado con la toma de la ciudad por los Turcos Otomanos en el 1453. La historia de Constantinopla actual Estambul, olvidada por el
mundo occidental.
mundo occidental.
December 17, 2024
Siguiendo la linea de libros de divulgación histórica de Asimov, es un libro muy bueno, donde te narra toda la historia del imperio bizantino, muchas veces olvidado. Como un imperio resistió el embite de fuerzas hostiles que lo rodeaban y consiguió aguantar hasta su final en 1453. Super recomendable para quienes quieran tener un conocimiento general y saber su apasionante historia.
September 6, 2025
i think it’s really interesting if you want to learn the basics about the emperors and the wars that generally represent constantinople, nevertheless it’s not the best book if you want to learn about what made Constantinople such a great and inspiring city! it doesn’t really mention their traditions and customs and it’s also a bit outdated. Still great
February 9, 2020
Debe ser - salvo algunas pequeñísimas imprecisiones - de lo que he leído hasta ahora, la mejor narración sobre este imperio ninguneado por la historia occidental, dándole Asimov el lugar que se merece en la historia universal.
Recomendable y entretenido.
Recomendable y entretenido.
February 18, 2020
Constantinopla (Isaac Asimov).
Durante más de un milenio el Imperio Romano de Oriente sobrevive a su gemelo occidental a través de la restauración de sus glorias pasadas, primero, y a la adaptación de su nuevo papel en el mundo, después. Extendiendo su influencia hasta la actualidad.
Durante más de un milenio el Imperio Romano de Oriente sobrevive a su gemelo occidental a través de la restauración de sus glorias pasadas, primero, y a la adaptación de su nuevo papel en el mundo, después. Extendiendo su influencia hasta la actualidad.
January 9, 2024
No entiendo cómo un chorro de datos constante puede ser tan interesante.
El libro requiere pausas si quieres fijar algún dato que te resulte interesante, es un no parar, pero también te lo puedes leer de seguido y disfrutarlo igualmente.
El libro requiere pausas si quieres fijar algún dato que te resulte interesante, es un no parar, pero también te lo puedes leer de seguido y disfrutarlo igualmente.
June 15, 2024
It was cool to learn that Isaac Asimov also wrote history books and a lot of them. He had a bit of dry humor in there, but as the cycles of emperors, coups, and generals wore on, the book started to drag.
January 10, 2026
Increíble obra de Asimov en la que relata de forma directa y amena los más de 1000 años del Imperio Romano de Oriente, o Imperio Bizantino, uno de los olvidados actualmente y el que influenció hasta el día de hoy nuestras vidas.
April 21, 2018
I'd forgotten that I'd read this book.
February 13, 2019
Reviviendo mis clases de Historia del Mediterráneo en la Edad Media con Encarnita y Belisario
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