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Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire,New
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For a thousand years, an extraordinary empire made possible Europe's transition to the modern world: Byzantium. An audacious and resilient but now little known society, it combined orthodox Christianity with paganism, classical Greek learning with Roman power, to produce a great and creative civilization which for centuries held in check the armies of Islam. Judith Herrin's concise and compelling book replaces the standard chronological approach of most histories of Byzantium.Instead, each short chapter is focused on a theme, such as a building (the great church of Hagia Sophia), a clash over religion (iconoclasm), sex and power (the role of eunuchs), an outstanding Byzantine individual (the historian Anna Komnene), a symbol of civilization (the fork), and a battle for territory (the crusades). In this way, she makes accessible and understandable the grand sweeps of Byzantine history, from the founding of its magnificent capital Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in 330, to its fall to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire'? A: 'Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire' explores the history of the Byzantine Empire, focusing on its unique blend of orthodox Christianity, paganism, and classical learning, which contributed to Europe's transition to the modern world.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by Judith Herrin, a respected historian with expertise in Byzantine studies.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains 416 pages, providing a comprehensive yet concise overview of Byzantine history.
- Q: What is the binding type of this edition? A: This edition of the book is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire' published? A: The book was published on January 1, 2010.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in Byzantine history? A: Yes, the book is written in an accessible style with thematic chapters, making it suitable for both beginners and those familiar with Byzantine history.
- Q: What themes are covered in the book? A: The book covers various themes such as architecture, religion, societal roles, notable individuals, and significant events, providing a holistic understanding of Byzantine civilization.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations or maps? A: The product details do not specify the inclusion of illustrations or maps; potential buyers should check the book's physical description or preview for visual aids.
- Q: What makes this book different from other histories of Byzantium? A: Unlike many chronological histories, Judith Herrin's book uses thematic chapters to make the complex history of Byzantium more engaging and understandable.
- Q: Can this book be used for academic purposes? A: Yes, due to its scholarly approach and comprehensive coverage, it can be used as a resource for academic studies of Byzantine history.