Esposito, Gabriele Armies of the Byzantine Empire, 395-1204

Organization, Weapons and Equipment

The Byzantine Empire was formed in 395 AD from the final division of the Roman Empire into two distinct political entities: the Western Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. While the Western Empire fell in 476 due to Germanic invasions, the Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist for centuries. During the reign of Justinian (527565), much of the western territories were temporarily reconquered, and the empire retained its distinctively Roman character at least until the reign of Heraclius (610641). During his reign, however, the Eastern Roman Empire was attacked by the expanding Muslim Arabs and lost much of its original eastern territories. With the weakening of imperial power, which was largely confined to the Balkans and Anatolia, the Roman character of the Eastern Roman Empire became increasingly Greek and transformed into what we know as the Byzantine Empire (although they continued to call themselves Romans until the end). Although surrounded by enemies, the Byzantines defended their remaining territories for another half-millennium, with their territories expanding and shrinking again according to the vicissitudes of fate. This tenacious survival was due primarily to the ability of their military to adapt (as Roman armies had always done) to new threats from a variety of enemies. The Byzantine Empire did not collapse until 1204, when it was attacked by the troops of the Fourth Crusade, its supposed allies. Gabriele Esposito provides not only an overview and analysis of the various campaigns of the period, but also a complete overview of the military organisation, weapons, tactics and equipment of the Byzantines. The clear text is richly illustrated with dozens of colour photographs of replicas of the weapons, armour and costumes used.