The Byzantine Empire: A Historical Encyclopedia [2 volumes]

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Description

An indispensable resource for investigating the history of the Byzantine Empire, this book provides a comprehensive summary of its overall development as well as its legacy in the modern world. The existence and development of Byzantium covers more than a millennium and coincides with one of the darkest periods of European history. Unfortunately, the Empire's achievements and brightest moments remain largely unknown except to Byzantine scholars. Through reference entries and primary source documents, this encyclopedia provides essential information about the Byzantine Empire from the reign of Diocletian to the Fall of Constantinople. The reference entries are grouped in eight topical sections on the most significant aspects of the history of the Byzantine Empire. These sections include individuals, key events, key places, the military, objects and artifacts, administration and organization, government and politics, and groups and organizations. Each section begins with an overview essay and contains approximately thirty entries on carefully selected topics. The entries conclude with suggestions for further reading along with cross-references., A selection of primary source documents gives readers first-hand accounts of the Byzantine world.

Reviews

Packed with information on the 1,200 years of this influential empire and accessible to nonspecialist general readers, these volumes will also be of use to undergraduates studying medieval history. * Library Journal *
Surprisingly, there are few reference works devoted to Byzantium; this one is recommended for academic and large public libraries. * Booklist *

Author Bio

James Francis LePree, PhD, is adjunct assistant professor for Medieval History at the City College of New York. He is the translator of the monastic text Admonition to a Spiritual Son, written by Pseudo-Basil. Ljudmila Djukic, MA, is an independent art historian, Spanish language teacher, and translator from Belgrade, Serbia.