Status Updates From Bysantin historia

The long history of the Orthodox church is a tale of antagonism with the Latin church, and in the end an organisation with authority and prestige far beyond the borders of the Empire.

Good discussion of the economy , and how the rigidity of the Byzantine state saw it forfeit the potential wealth from trade.

Changes in the military structure of the Byzantine empire are interesting. Particularly fascinating is the fact that Harald Hardrada, later King of Norway and killed by English king Harold Godwinson at the battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, was a leader of the Byzantine Varangian guard.

Excellent chapter on the physical environment and economy sets the scene for the resources and constraints of the Byzantine state.

The tumultuous politics of a millenium of Byzantium dealt with, onto the physical world of the empire.

Leo III begins the recovery of the Eastern Roman Empire's frankly dismal fortunes .