Five-Star Review: "The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium" by Anthony Kaldellis
I love this book! The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium by Anthony Kaldellis is a groundbreaking work that redefines our understanding of the Eastern Roman Empire from Constantine to 1453.
Author's Credentials
Expertise and Background: Anthony Kaldellis is one of the foremost experts in Byzantine studies. He is a Professor of Classics at The Ohio State University, where he specializes in Byzantine history and culture. Kaldellis has authored numerous highly regarded books and scholarly articles on Byzantium, including Byzantine Matters and Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood. His deep knowledge and academic rigor bring credibility and depth to this comprehensive history.
A Revolutionary Approach
Modern Scholarship: In recent decades, the study of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as Byzantium, has been transformed by new approaches and sophisticated models for understanding its society and state. Kaldellis’s work reflects these advancements, moving beyond the outdated view of Byzantium as merely a continuation of classical Rome. Instead, he presents Byzantium as a dynamic and vigorous state, an inheritor of many Roman features, and a vital node in the first truly globalized world.
Comprehensive and Detailed
Chronological Coverage: The book is divided into ten chronological sections, beginning with the foundation of Constantinople in 324 AD and ending with the fall of the empire to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. This structure provides a clear and detailed timeline of Byzantine history, making it easy for readers to follow the empire's evolution over more than a millennium.
Political and Military History: Kaldellis offers an in-depth examination of Byzantine political and military history, covering significant events such as the reign of Justinian, the Iconoclast Controversy, the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, and the fall of Constantinople in 1453. His analysis includes detailed accounts of key battles, leadership changes, and the strategies employed by Byzantine emperors to maintain their empire's integrity. For instance, he discusses the strategic brilliance of Emperor Heraclius during the Byzantine-Sassanian War and the military reforms of Emperor Leo III.
Rich and Varied Content
Religion, Society, and Economy: In addition to political and military history, The New Roman Empire delves into major changes in religion, society, demography, and economy. Kaldellis explores the role of the Orthodox Church, the impact of religious controversies like the Great Schism of 1054, and the social structure of Byzantine society. He also examines the economic foundations of the empire, including its trade networks and monetary policies. Kaldellis provides detailed figures on trade revenues, population estimates, and the economic impact of wars and plagues.
New Findings and Interpretive Models: The book incorporates new archaeological findings and recent interpretive models, offering readers a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of Byzantine history. For example, Kaldellis discusses recent discoveries in the urban archaeology of Constantinople, which reveal new insights into the daily lives of its inhabitants and the city's infrastructure.
Fresh Perspectives
Reinterpreting Byzantium: Kaldellis presents Byzantium not as a pale imitation of Rome, but as a powerful and independent entity with its own unique identity and contributions to world history. He highlights the empire’s resilience in the face of numerous challenges, such as the invasions of the Avars, Slavs, and Arabs, as well as internal political turmoil.
Global Significance: By emphasizing Byzantium’s position as a vital node in the first truly globalized world, Kaldellis underscores the empire’s importance in global history. He details the extensive trade routes that connected Byzantium to Africa, Asia, and Europe, and how these connections influenced cultural and economic exchanges.
Conclusion
The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium by Anthony Kaldellis is a monumental work that offers a thorough and insightful exploration of Byzantine history. Kaldellis’s credentials as a leading historian of Byzantium, combined with his comprehensive approach and incorporation of the latest research, make this book an indispensable resource. For anyone interested in the history of Byzantium, this book provides a detailed and nuanced understanding, substantiated by facts and figures, and I give it a well-deserved five stars.
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Top reviews from other countries
amazonkunde
Das Buch ist großartig, Amazon nicht.
Reviewed in Germany on June 2, 2024
Professor Venkata Raghotham
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Reviewed in India on May 28, 2024Jorgos Karasarlidis
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