Author:
Lygo, Kevin, author.
ImprintLondon ; New York, New York : Thames & Hudson, 2022.
Imprint2022
Description336 pages : color illustrations, color maps ; 25 cm
Note:Constantinian dynasty (306-363): Constantine I the Great ; Constantius II ; Julian the Apostate -- Non-dynastic ruler (363-364): Jovian -- Valentinian dynasty (364-379): Valentinian I ; Valens ; Gratian -- Theodosian dynasty (379-457): Theodosios I ; Arcadius : Theodosios II ; Pulcheria & Marcian -- Leonid dynasty (457-518): Leo I ; Leo II ; Zeno ; Basiliskos ; Anastasios I Dikoros -- Justinian dynasty (518-602): Justin I ; Justinian I ; Justin II ; Tiberios II Constantine ; Maurice Tiberios -- Non-dynastic usurper (602-610): Phokas -- Heraklian dynasty (610-695): Herakleios ; Constantine III & Heraklonas ; Constans II ; Constantine IV ; Justinian II Rhinotmetos (first reign) -- Twenty years of anarchy (695-717): Leontios ; Tiberios III Apsimar ; Justinian II Rhinotmetos (second reign) ; Philippikos Bardanse ; Anastasios II Artemios ; Theodosios III -- Isaurian dynasty (717-802): Leo III the Isaurian ; Artabasdos ; Constantine V Kopronymos ; Leo IV the Khazar ; Constantine VI the Blind ; Irene -- Nikephorian dynasty (802-813): Nikophoros I ; Starakios ; Michael I Rangabe -- Non-dynastic ruler (813-820): Leo V the Armenian -- Amorian dynasty (820-867): Michael II ; Theophilos ; Michael III -- Macedonian dynasty (867-1056): Basil I ; Leo VI ; Alexander : Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos ; Romanos I Lekapenos ; Romanos II ; Nikephoros II Phokas ; John I Tzimiskes ; Basil II Bulgaroktonos ; Constantine VIII ; Romanos III Argyros ; Michael IV the Paphlagonian ; Michael V Kalaphates ; Zoe Porphyrogennete & Theodora Porphyrogennete ; Constantine IX Monomachos ; Theodora Porphyrogennete -- Non-dynastic ruler (1056-1057): Michael VI Stratiotikos -- Komnenian dynasty (I: 1057-1059): Isaac I Komnenos -- Doukid dynasty (1059-1081): Constantine X Doukas ; Romanos IV Diogenes ; Michael VII Doukas ; Mikephoros III Botaneiates -- Komnenian dynasty (II: 1081-1185): Alexios I Komnenos ; John II Komnenos ; Manuel I Komnenos ; Alexios II Komnenos ; Andronikos I Komnenos -- Angelid dynasty (1185-1204): Isaac II Angelos ; Alexios III Angelos ; Alexios IV Angelos & Isaac II Angelos ; Alexios V Doukas Mourtzouphlos -- Latin Constantinople and the empire in exile (1204-1461): The Latin occupation of Constantinople ; The despotate of Epiros ; The empire of Trebizond -- The empire of Nicaea (1208-1261): Theodor I Laskaris ; John III Doukas Vatatzes ; Theodor II Laskaris ; John IV Laskaris -- Palaiologan dynasty (1261-1453): Michael VIII Palaiologos ; Andronikos II ; Andronikos III ; John V ; John VI Kantakouzenos ; Andronikos IV ; John VII ; Manuel II ; John VIII ; Constantine XI Dragases.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references (pages 324-326) and index.
Note:The Byzantine empire was one of the most successful states of the Middle Ages, ruling over a huge terrain straddling Europe and western Asia for an unrivalled eleven hundred years. Yet its history remains largely unfamiliar. This chronicle brings this majestic yet turbulent period to life through the lives of its emperors: supreme military commander, Head of State and God's representative on earth, no less. These were the men and women that presided over many of the foundations of the modern world, from the establishment of the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith, to the magnificent artistic heritage of Hagia Sophia and Mount Athos, and the creation of a visual template for Christian art. Each illustrated biographical entry contributes to the story of how Byzantium shaped our art, culture, religious beliefs and justice systems, and the role this extraordinary empire played in halting repeated invasions, allowing the idea of 'Europe' to flourish. Through stories of nobility and petty revenge, of religious devotion and brutal genocide, and of sexual intrigue and artistic brilliance; from soaring intellectuals to illiterate peasants, eunuchs and despots, this is a humanizing portrayal of individuals, whose role impacted the lives of millions.
