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Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End
According to history books, the Roman Empire ended in 476 CE with the fall of Rome. But if you asked most people alive at that time, they would have pointed you to what they considered the continuation of the Roman Empire—the civilization we now call the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines, however, were more than just a remnant of Roman glory. At its geographical peak, the Byzantine Empire stretched out across the Mediterranean world. Culturally, the Byzantines both preserved the knowledge of the classical world, much of which was lost in the West, and added to it.
- A Divided Empire
- The Fall of the West
- Rising to Glory
- An Age of War
- The Destruction of Icons
- The House of Macedon
- The Comnenian Revival
- The Final Decline
And much more!
Shaped by its classical roots, its Christian religion, and the changing medieval world, the story of the Byzantine Empire is one of both glorious victories and terrible defeats, of a civilization that rose from the brink of destruction again and again, and of the development of a culture whose vestiges remain today.
- A Divided Empire
- The Fall of the West
- Rising to Glory
- An Age of War
- The Destruction of Icons
- The House of Macedon
- The Comnenian Revival
- The Final Decline
And much more!
Shaped by its classical roots, its Christian religion, and the changing medieval world, the story of the Byzantine Empire is one of both glorious victories and terrible defeats, of a civilization that rose from the brink of destruction again and again, and of the development of a culture whose vestiges remain today.
45 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2018
300 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 28, 2024
Good basic outline of Byzantine history
Liked: Well written, concise, yet his most of the high points.
Disliked: Missed one of the most consequential East/West interactions, namely the 1054 split of Orthodoxy from Catholicism.
On the whole, a solid introduction to an Empire few in the modern West know of (much less understand).
Liked: Well written, concise, yet his most of the high points.
Disliked: Missed one of the most consequential East/West interactions, namely the 1054 split of Orthodoxy from Catholicism.
On the whole, a solid introduction to an Empire few in the modern West know of (much less understand).
February 6, 2023
A concise, but remarkably thorough history of the Byzantine empire from it's creation as an extension of the Roman empire in 330 to it's demise in 1453. Well written.
I learned a few interesting facts from this book.
1) The name Byzantine empire was a historical name given by historians in the sixteenth century. During the entirety of the empire's existence (330 - 1453) people and rulers within it simply referred to it as the Eastern Roman Empire and the people called themselves Romans.
2) The Eastern Roman empire, i.e. Byzantine empire, lasted far longer than the Western Roman empire (27 BC - 485 AD).
3) Byzantium could have lasted longer were it not for the many incompetent emperors throughout it's history but especially during the last 4 centuries or so. There were also very competent emperors at various points, who somewhat miraculously saved the empire several times from invaders and/or from bankruptcy.
4) Throughout it's history there were many emperors with the same or similar names (e.g. Constantine, Justinian) but they used those names without numbers after (e.g. Constantine II, Constantine IV). The number designations were added by historians centuries later to make it easier to refer to the emperors.
5) Around 610 or so, the empire's military was restructured and they replaced Latin as the official language with Greek and over the coming centuries, the empire's culture was gradually shifted from Latin to Greek.
Being something of a history buff I enjoyed this so I will definitely read more Hourly History books.
I learned a few interesting facts from this book.
1) The name Byzantine empire was a historical name given by historians in the sixteenth century. During the entirety of the empire's existence (330 - 1453) people and rulers within it simply referred to it as the Eastern Roman Empire and the people called themselves Romans.
2) The Eastern Roman empire, i.e. Byzantine empire, lasted far longer than the Western Roman empire (27 BC - 485 AD).
3) Byzantium could have lasted longer were it not for the many incompetent emperors throughout it's history but especially during the last 4 centuries or so. There were also very competent emperors at various points, who somewhat miraculously saved the empire several times from invaders and/or from bankruptcy.
4) Throughout it's history there were many emperors with the same or similar names (e.g. Constantine, Justinian) but they used those names without numbers after (e.g. Constantine II, Constantine IV). The number designations were added by historians centuries later to make it easier to refer to the emperors.
5) Around 610 or so, the empire's military was restructured and they replaced Latin as the official language with Greek and over the coming centuries, the empire's culture was gradually shifted from Latin to Greek.
Being something of a history buff I enjoyed this so I will definitely read more Hourly History books.
November 13, 2018
The rise and fall of another Empire
Another fascinating story about the rise and fall of another Empire. I find it very interesting to see how the people of these regions are brought together and torn apart by war and religion. It is sad to see that we haven’t changed all that much.
Another fascinating story about the rise and fall of another Empire. I find it very interesting to see how the people of these regions are brought together and torn apart by war and religion. It is sad to see that we haven’t changed all that much.
June 25, 2021
The Roots of Istanbul
In the Byzantine Empire, centered around the city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) and the realm of Asia Minor, a powerful civilization carried the torch of classical civilization for nearly a millennium after the fall of Rome. Byzantium was an agricultural society, a hub of world trade, and the center of the Eastern Church. In 330 CE, the date assigned by historians as the beginning of the Byzantine Empire due to Constantine renaming the city of Byzantium after himself, Constantinople, and declaring it the new capital of the Roman Empire. This significant event is the reason historians label the year 330 as the beginning of the Byzantine Empire. The nobles, merchants, soldiers, and sailors pushing their way through the busy streets of Byzantium would not have seen themselves as standing on the edge of a new Empire. Instead, they still called themselves Rhomaioi—Romans, the people of the Roman Empire. The terms “Byzantines” and the “Byzantine Empire” would not come into use until the sixteenth century. Until then, the Byzantine Empire was simply the Eastern Roman Empire, the extension of the ancient imperium. The splitting of the Roman Empire into east and west began almost 50 years before the assigned date marking the start of the Byzantine Empire. The division Theodosius had drawn between east and west during his rule would become permanent, further emphasized by its alignment with the division between Latin and Greek-speaking territories. The east, unified by a developing culture centered around the Greek language, the growth of Christianity, and its independent government and economy, would continue in strength even as the west weakened. Emperor Justin was almost 70 years old, came from a peasant family, and had little education. Justinian’s expansion of the empire was suddenly stopped in 541 by the arrival of the bubonic plague.
Michael II's decision to invite an ambitious wrestler known as Basil “the Macedonian” (who was not truly Macedonian) into his inner circle proved disastrous for himself and his Uncle Bardas, though surprisingly, not for the empire. In 867, Basil managed to have both Bardas and Michael assassinated so he could take the throne himself. With this treacherous move, Basil established a dynasty that would become known as the “House of Macedon” and would bring another golden age to the Byzantine Empire. The influence of the Byzantines’ culture was felt outside of their borders, particularly in the Principality of Russia—the Byzantine influence spread Christianity there, and translation of parts of the Bible spurred rapid development of the use of written language in Russian lands. When the House of Macedon ended with the death of Basil II in 1025, the Byzantine Empire had reached its apex.
In 1451, Mehmed II became the Ottoman sultan, and he immediately began plans to capture Constantinople. He started his siege in 1453. With his new and powerful cannons, Mehmed was able to break through the strong walls of the city after two long months, on May 29, 1453. As the Ottoman troops sacked the city, the remaining citizens of Constantinople took refuge in the Hagia Sophia. When the Ottomans battered their way through the doors, they massacred everyone in the church. Though the Ottomans searched for the body of the last emperor, named Constantine just as the first emperor had been, they never identified it. With Constantinople defeated and its people killed and scattered, the Byzantine Empire was at last truly extinguished.
In the Byzantine Empire, centered around the city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) and the realm of Asia Minor, a powerful civilization carried the torch of classical civilization for nearly a millennium after the fall of Rome. Byzantium was an agricultural society, a hub of world trade, and the center of the Eastern Church. In 330 CE, the date assigned by historians as the beginning of the Byzantine Empire due to Constantine renaming the city of Byzantium after himself, Constantinople, and declaring it the new capital of the Roman Empire. This significant event is the reason historians label the year 330 as the beginning of the Byzantine Empire. The nobles, merchants, soldiers, and sailors pushing their way through the busy streets of Byzantium would not have seen themselves as standing on the edge of a new Empire. Instead, they still called themselves Rhomaioi—Romans, the people of the Roman Empire. The terms “Byzantines” and the “Byzantine Empire” would not come into use until the sixteenth century. Until then, the Byzantine Empire was simply the Eastern Roman Empire, the extension of the ancient imperium. The splitting of the Roman Empire into east and west began almost 50 years before the assigned date marking the start of the Byzantine Empire. The division Theodosius had drawn between east and west during his rule would become permanent, further emphasized by its alignment with the division between Latin and Greek-speaking territories. The east, unified by a developing culture centered around the Greek language, the growth of Christianity, and its independent government and economy, would continue in strength even as the west weakened. Emperor Justin was almost 70 years old, came from a peasant family, and had little education. Justinian’s expansion of the empire was suddenly stopped in 541 by the arrival of the bubonic plague.
Michael II's decision to invite an ambitious wrestler known as Basil “the Macedonian” (who was not truly Macedonian) into his inner circle proved disastrous for himself and his Uncle Bardas, though surprisingly, not for the empire. In 867, Basil managed to have both Bardas and Michael assassinated so he could take the throne himself. With this treacherous move, Basil established a dynasty that would become known as the “House of Macedon” and would bring another golden age to the Byzantine Empire. The influence of the Byzantines’ culture was felt outside of their borders, particularly in the Principality of Russia—the Byzantine influence spread Christianity there, and translation of parts of the Bible spurred rapid development of the use of written language in Russian lands. When the House of Macedon ended with the death of Basil II in 1025, the Byzantine Empire had reached its apex.
In 1451, Mehmed II became the Ottoman sultan, and he immediately began plans to capture Constantinople. He started his siege in 1453. With his new and powerful cannons, Mehmed was able to break through the strong walls of the city after two long months, on May 29, 1453. As the Ottoman troops sacked the city, the remaining citizens of Constantinople took refuge in the Hagia Sophia. When the Ottomans battered their way through the doors, they massacred everyone in the church. Though the Ottomans searched for the body of the last emperor, named Constantine just as the first emperor had been, they never identified it. With Constantinople defeated and its people killed and scattered, the Byzantine Empire was at last truly extinguished.
March 6, 2021
Una vista panoramica concisa sobre un imperio que en su momento fue el centro del mundo. Un enclave comercial unico. El origen del gran sisma que se produjo entre la iglesia de occidente y de oriente y un final tragico a manos del sultan Mehmet. Una historia magica de una ciudad que hoy continua viva y con el nombre de Estambul. Una lectura muy interesante que me lleva a re leer momentos estelares de la humanidad de Stefan Zweig.
March 20, 2024
This book was a nice little summary of Byzantine History. I am very familiar with Byzantium, so it was really easy for me to follow and acted as a nice refresher of major historical events. I am not sure how someone who has never studied in any way Byzantine history would find this and if they would be able to follow, but this was great for me as a refresher before delving into more academic books.
May 20, 2019
Educational but Difficult to Absorb It All
This is a great short book for history buffs of that time period. I was amazed at how many centuries the Byzantine empire held on to power before falling to the Ottomans. I love hourly history books—so much information in an hour's time!
This is a great short book for history buffs of that time period. I was amazed at how many centuries the Byzantine empire held on to power before falling to the Ottomans. I love hourly history books—so much information in an hour's time!
September 13, 2023
History of the Great Byzantine Empire
Great read and lots of information crammed into a short time. I only gave this book 4 of 5 stars because it was too fast and short.
Aside of this, just a pleasant read with information and the contribution to world history and it's development. Much of which still has Byzantine effects lingering.
Great read and lots of information crammed into a short time. I only gave this book 4 of 5 stars because it was too fast and short.
Aside of this, just a pleasant read with information and the contribution to world history and it's development. Much of which still has Byzantine effects lingering.
May 2, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
Retazos de lo que fue el Imperio Bizantino desde el 330 d.C (fundación de Constantinopla, tras lo del río Milvio y el signo de la cruz y bla,bla,bla) hasta que en 1453 llegaron los Otomanos y les fastidiaron el invento.
Eso sí, antes hay que pasar, aunque sea a vista de pájaro, por Julián el Apóstata, Valentiniano, Teodosio I el Grande y la división del imperio (Arcadio Oriente y Honorio Occidente).
Luego llega Alarico en el 410 y saquea Roma, aunque para entonces la Ciudad Eterna estaba ya hecha unos zorros. Genserico luego repetirá la jugada. Por fin en 476 se formaliza la caída del Imperio Romano de Occidente.
En el otro lado Justiniano pondrá un poco de orden e inaugurará la dinastía Justiníana (como queríais que se llamara, si no??). Aparecerá el Código Justiniano que tan buen precedente a efectos de leyes sentó. Asimismo ocurrieron los disturbios de Niká, con su correspondiente masacre. Ya tenemos aquí al impertérrito Conde Belisario (una semblanza del Gran Capitán, pero a la bizantina). Pero también a Teodora, la querida esposa del emperador. A todo esto Santa Sofía ya está tomando forma, para disfrute de locales y turistas mochileros, entre los que me encuentro.
Pasamos de puntillas por las numerosas guerras posteriores y el follón de la Iconoclastia, que bastantes disgustos dio por un quítame allá esas imágenes. El bacalao empezó a partirlo Carlomagno, que hasta el Papa le rindió pleitesía. Estamos ya en el 800 d.C.
Luego viene un pequeño resurgimiento, que será más o menos breve, pues los árabes comienzan a organizarse y amenazan con hacerse con todo el pastel, sin dejar ni las migajas, pues Alá es grande. Los Papas van intentando frenar su avance con las sucesivas cruzadas, pero salvo honrosas excepciones, ya sabemos cómo acabaron. Empezaron en el 1096 con el infausto Pedro el Ermitaño, que ríase usted de la que montó. Pero llegará Saladino y los cruzados se lo tuvieron que pensar.
Y así, dando bandazos, aparecerá un tal Osmán (1299) I y la liará parda fundando el Imperio Otomano. Que ese será otro importante capítulo del que os hablaré otro día. Casi 150 años después (1453) el gran Mehmed II acaba con toda la historia entrando a saco en Constantinopla (en adelante Estambul) y metiendo de lleno en ella a los Otomanos y su flamante Imperio. Comienzan a construirse las grandes mezquitas.
Todo ello dicho muy a vuelapluma. Pero fascinante a más no poder. Un periodo histórico que ha dado cientos de buenas novelas y películas. Y lo más importante: edificios históricos, muchos de los cuales aún gozan de buena salud y que todo amante a la historia y al arte debería visitar. Yo entre ellos, y a no mucho tardar.
Recomendable para interesados en el periodo histórico sin querer meterse de lleno en fechas y personajes. Lectura liviana. Si te gusta profundizar, este no será tu libro de cabecera. Avisado estás.
⭐⭐⭐
Tres estrellas
Retazos de lo que fue el Imperio Bizantino desde el 330 d.C (fundación de Constantinopla, tras lo del río Milvio y el signo de la cruz y bla,bla,bla) hasta que en 1453 llegaron los Otomanos y les fastidiaron el invento.
Eso sí, antes hay que pasar, aunque sea a vista de pájaro, por Julián el Apóstata, Valentiniano, Teodosio I el Grande y la división del imperio (Arcadio Oriente y Honorio Occidente).
Luego llega Alarico en el 410 y saquea Roma, aunque para entonces la Ciudad Eterna estaba ya hecha unos zorros. Genserico luego repetirá la jugada. Por fin en 476 se formaliza la caída del Imperio Romano de Occidente.
En el otro lado Justiniano pondrá un poco de orden e inaugurará la dinastía Justiníana (como queríais que se llamara, si no??). Aparecerá el Código Justiniano que tan buen precedente a efectos de leyes sentó. Asimismo ocurrieron los disturbios de Niká, con su correspondiente masacre. Ya tenemos aquí al impertérrito Conde Belisario (una semblanza del Gran Capitán, pero a la bizantina). Pero también a Teodora, la querida esposa del emperador. A todo esto Santa Sofía ya está tomando forma, para disfrute de locales y turistas mochileros, entre los que me encuentro.
Pasamos de puntillas por las numerosas guerras posteriores y el follón de la Iconoclastia, que bastantes disgustos dio por un quítame allá esas imágenes. El bacalao empezó a partirlo Carlomagno, que hasta el Papa le rindió pleitesía. Estamos ya en el 800 d.C.
Luego viene un pequeño resurgimiento, que será más o menos breve, pues los árabes comienzan a organizarse y amenazan con hacerse con todo el pastel, sin dejar ni las migajas, pues Alá es grande. Los Papas van intentando frenar su avance con las sucesivas cruzadas, pero salvo honrosas excepciones, ya sabemos cómo acabaron. Empezaron en el 1096 con el infausto Pedro el Ermitaño, que ríase usted de la que montó. Pero llegará Saladino y los cruzados se lo tuvieron que pensar.
Y así, dando bandazos, aparecerá un tal Osmán (1299) I y la liará parda fundando el Imperio Otomano. Que ese será otro importante capítulo del que os hablaré otro día. Casi 150 años después (1453) el gran Mehmed II acaba con toda la historia entrando a saco en Constantinopla (en adelante Estambul) y metiendo de lleno en ella a los Otomanos y su flamante Imperio. Comienzan a construirse las grandes mezquitas.
Todo ello dicho muy a vuelapluma. Pero fascinante a más no poder. Un periodo histórico que ha dado cientos de buenas novelas y películas. Y lo más importante: edificios históricos, muchos de los cuales aún gozan de buena salud y que todo amante a la historia y al arte debería visitar. Yo entre ellos, y a no mucho tardar.
Recomendable para interesados en el periodo histórico sin querer meterse de lleno en fechas y personajes. Lectura liviana. Si te gusta profundizar, este no será tu libro de cabecera. Avisado estás.
⭐⭐⭐
Tres estrellas
May 30, 2024
While I don't think I really gained that much insight from this very short and superficial history I did learn some interesting factoids.
(1) War, War, War
This empire lasted 1123 years and was at war for every one of those years, whether from the East (Persians), south (Arabs) or West (Europeans?) and often all three at the same time.
It makes you appreciate how peaceful the current era is. Just imagine something like the US Civil War (but probably worse), but for your entire life and the lives of all your ancestors and descendants.
(2) Cyclical history
No significant scientific progress was made during the 1,000 year plus duration of this empire. How different from our era when by the time you are 25 you are already technologically obsolete!
(3) Hagia Sofia
Have to visit one day
(4) Iconoclasm
The world "iconoclastic" and "iconic" are casually used today but it was interesting to learn that this was actually a SERIOUS religious issue in the Byzantine empire.
(5) Istanbul=Constantinople
(6) Roman Empire=Latin, Byzantine Empire=Greek
(7) "Of Byzantine complexity"
Today "Byzantine" is often used to mean "unnecessarily complicated", but it seems at least a bit unfair (the byzantine empire was complicated, but probably no more than other similar size empires).
(8) Justinian I & Belisaurus
Justinian was the most successful Byzantine Emperor and Belisaurus his most successful general.
(9) Empress Irene
The first female empress, apparently rather ruthless and controversial.
(10) 571st Anniversary
Today, May 29, 2024 is the 571st anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople. I did see an article about it earlier today so maybe subconsciously this influenced me to read this.
(1) War, War, War
This empire lasted 1123 years and was at war for every one of those years, whether from the East (Persians), south (Arabs) or West (Europeans?) and often all three at the same time.
It makes you appreciate how peaceful the current era is. Just imagine something like the US Civil War (but probably worse), but for your entire life and the lives of all your ancestors and descendants.
(2) Cyclical history
No significant scientific progress was made during the 1,000 year plus duration of this empire. How different from our era when by the time you are 25 you are already technologically obsolete!
(3) Hagia Sofia
Have to visit one day
(4) Iconoclasm
The world "iconoclastic" and "iconic" are casually used today but it was interesting to learn that this was actually a SERIOUS religious issue in the Byzantine empire.
(5) Istanbul=Constantinople
(6) Roman Empire=Latin, Byzantine Empire=Greek
(7) "Of Byzantine complexity"
Today "Byzantine" is often used to mean "unnecessarily complicated", but it seems at least a bit unfair (the byzantine empire was complicated, but probably no more than other similar size empires).
(8) Justinian I & Belisaurus
Justinian was the most successful Byzantine Emperor and Belisaurus his most successful general.
(9) Empress Irene
The first female empress, apparently rather ruthless and controversial.
(10) 571st Anniversary
Today, May 29, 2024 is the 571st anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople. I did see an article about it earlier today so maybe subconsciously this influenced me to read this.
May 22, 2021
Byzantine Empire was one of the largest empires that stretched from East Europe to the middle east. What started as a small kingdom ruling East Rome, the empire started emerging as the deadliest military domain in Asia and Europe. Sadly, it was defeated by The Ottoman Empire, ending the rule of emperors. This book gives information about its start, conquests, rulers, and decline. It doesn't give the facts on how the battles were fought or how the people lived. But after reaching the ending, I think it is good for getting a brieff idea about the Byzantines.
January 6, 2018
A good introduction to Byzantine history
This concise book sets the appetite to dig further into Byzantine history. A good, quick read with good facts. Recommend for introducing this history topic.
This concise book sets the appetite to dig further into Byzantine history. A good, quick read with good facts. Recommend for introducing this history topic.
August 27, 2018
The Byzantine Empire
I have visited Turkey and toured Istanbul so I was interested in the history of the Byzantine Empire. The story was told with clarity. It answered questions I have had about the history.
I have visited Turkey and toured Istanbul so I was interested in the history of the Byzantine Empire. The story was told with clarity. It answered questions I have had about the history.
June 7, 2019
Only Hourly History could presented history of so many centuries of not-so-well known empire in a few pages and yet make a lot of sense. The rise and the fall of Byzantine Empire has been narrated pretty remarkably.
February 18, 2020
Good summary but wish for more
While like all the books in this series it provides a good background on the Byzantine Empire the subject is to broad to introduce in such a short book. Maybe the author could have honed in on a period or Emperor.
While like all the books in this series it provides a good background on the Byzantine Empire the subject is to broad to introduce in such a short book. Maybe the author could have honed in on a period or Emperor.
October 22, 2020
The Byzantine Empire Did More Than Just Survive
The greatest legacy that the Byzantine Empire bestowed upon the modern world was many of the cultural and intellectual knowledge of Ancient Greece.
The greatest legacy that the Byzantine Empire bestowed upon the modern world was many of the cultural and intellectual knowledge of Ancient Greece.
January 5, 2024
This is an amazing overview
I really enjoyed how the author written many of the main events about the foundation and decline of Bizantine empire. This book gives me the curiosity to go deeper on the history of that empire.
I really enjoyed how the author written many of the main events about the foundation and decline of Bizantine empire. This book gives me the curiosity to go deeper on the history of that empire.
September 2, 2024
Great Work Of History
I enjoyed reading this book, it sucks that the empire kept getting smaller and fall into nothing. Thanks to the Crusader’s burning down buildings we lost a larger part of history. Just like Alexander’s Library, image of all we could’ve learned.
I enjoyed reading this book, it sucks that the empire kept getting smaller and fall into nothing. Thanks to the Crusader’s burning down buildings we lost a larger part of history. Just like Alexander’s Library, image of all we could’ve learned.
November 4, 2024
Obviously there cannot be much detail in a condensed history such as this. But this read more like a laundry list of emperors. It would have been interesting to have more about the culture of the era as well.
January 8, 2018
A concise overview
A summary of the extensive convoluted history of the Byzantine empire. An introduction for those who want to learn about it.
A summary of the extensive convoluted history of the Byzantine empire. An introduction for those who want to learn about it.
December 28, 2018
This book gives a brief about a period from end of The Roman empire to beginning of The Ottoman empire.
January 29, 2021
Great little book, tons of information. It is important to understand the impact that this period of history had in humanity, yet most of us grow without knowledge of it. If you have little time but a desire to learn about history, this Hourly Series can help. Well written and a great wealth of information within. It is also a good introduction to further information on the subject.
December 14, 2023
Too many similar names for me to keep track of.
December 20, 2024
A brief but helpful introduction to the Byzantine Empire and how it paradoxically saw itself as both the inheritor of the Roman legacy as well as charting out its own Greek character.
November 8, 2025
Kindle
November 10, 2025
Good book, some parts were long and winded but I found the authors style very detailed and precise.
August 14, 2018
Not my favorite of the hourly history series but well worth reading for an introduction to this amazing history. It covers such a long period of time that I think it is difficult to pick the most outstanding points to get into one hour.
January 25, 2018
This book was a good introduction to those who are interested in learning more about the Byzantine Empire. It wasn't my favorite Hourly History book out of all I have read so far but I liked it for sure and it really was fascinated. All the emperors and their names made my eyes cross a little, though. It could get a little bit confusing unless you're really focused on the book.
The book covers the rise of the Byzantine Empire, wars, the house of Macedon and the final decline among others so there were lots of new things for me to learn, which I thought was great. The one thing that stood out to me were how the Byzantine Empire basically just kept coming back for more even when they seemed to be on the brink of destruction. Can't help but admire that in a way.
Overall, Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History was a candid and quick read, spotlighting the Byzantines. They certainly were a fascinating bunch and I'd just love to see more books set during those times, whether it's ficion or nonficion. So recommendations are always much appreciated.
The book covers the rise of the Byzantine Empire, wars, the house of Macedon and the final decline among others so there were lots of new things for me to learn, which I thought was great. The one thing that stood out to me were how the Byzantine Empire basically just kept coming back for more even when they seemed to be on the brink of destruction. Can't help but admire that in a way.
Overall, Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History was a candid and quick read, spotlighting the Byzantines. They certainly were a fascinating bunch and I'd just love to see more books set during those times, whether it's ficion or nonficion. So recommendations are always much appreciated.
February 1, 2023
Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End
I enjoyed the Byzantine Empire.
Amongst other things, it left me wondering when the Roman Empire actually ended and the Byzantine Empire began.
They are like a ball of string, interwoven into a Gordian knot
Edward Gibbon begins to delve into that question in his book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. If I only had the time to complete it, or even make a serious dent, I might shed some light on that burning question
I have had it on the back burner for months, like a Snickers bar waiting on the night stand, once you open it,,,,,,
I would definitely recommend the Byzantine Empire, it kept me intrigued the whole way through, it is really well written
I enjoyed the Byzantine Empire.
Amongst other things, it left me wondering when the Roman Empire actually ended and the Byzantine Empire began.
They are like a ball of string, interwoven into a Gordian knot
Edward Gibbon begins to delve into that question in his book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. If I only had the time to complete it, or even make a serious dent, I might shed some light on that burning question
I have had it on the back burner for months, like a Snickers bar waiting on the night stand, once you open it,,,,,,
I would definitely recommend the Byzantine Empire, it kept me intrigued the whole way through, it is really well written
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews