A Short History Of Byzantium by John Julius Norwich

A concise, fast-paced account of the Byzantine Empire from the founding of Constantinople in 330 to its fall in 1453, this narrative blends political drama, military campaigns, and religious controversies into a coherent whole. It profiles notable rulers and dynasties, explores iconoclasm, the schism with the West, and the impact of the Crusades, and charts shifting alliances with Latin, Slavic, and Islamic powers. Alongside court intrigue and diplomatic maneuvering, it highlights artistic brilliance, legal and administrative innovations, and the empire’s remarkable resilience leading up to its eventual decline and conquest.

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