Byzantium And The Rise Of Russia

This book describes the role of Byzantine diplomacy in the emergence of Moscow in the fourteenth century.

This book describes the role of Byzantine diplomacy in the emergence of Moscow in the fourteenth century.

This eagerly awaited volume, the first of its kind by western scholars, describes the development amongst the diverse inhabitants of the immense landmass between the Carpathians and Urals of a political, economic and social nexus (underpinned by a common culture and, eventually, a common faith), out of which would emerge the future Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The authors explore every aspect of life in Rus, using evidence and the fruits of post-Soviet historiography. They describe the rise of a polity centred on Kiev, the coming of Christianity, and the increasing prosperity of the region even as, with the proliferation of new dynastic centres, the balance of power shifted northwards and westwards. Fractured, violent and transitory though it often is, this is a story of growth and achievement - and a masterly piece of historical synthesis.

The Byzantine Empire; a state which can said to have been in continuous existence from 324 A.D. to 1453 A.D. During this time, its fortunes have waxed and waned; it has celebrated great triumphs and suffered the basest defeats, defeated the strongest powers of the time and been overrun mere years later. To the historian, a subject of intense interest then, a history of which could only be brought together in the most illustrious of ways, through strenuous research and meticulous compilation. The first Volume of A.A. Vasiliev's ?History of the Byzantine Empire? has been achieved thus. This History was originally published in Russia, and accordingly in Russian. It was first released in 1917, without the footnotes that make it such a complete study in the revised version. Vasiliev continued to update and revise his history, publishing versions in French, Spanish, Turkish and English, until the revised issue being now reviewed was released in 1952. Since then, the history has not been changed, except (according to the publisher of the book) for the correction of typographical errors. Spanning the history of the Byzantine Empire from 324 A.D. to the beginnings of the Empire's period of decline after the Battle of Manzikert and the rise of the Comneneid Dynasty, this first volume painstakingly and efficiently accounts for the many events of the Byzantine history; from religious issues to biographies of Emperors, from political and social developments to literature, learning, education and arts. The book is begun with an actual introduction by Mr Vasiliev himself, accounting for the evolution of his history. The history begins with the study of Byzantium, eruditely summarizing the study of Byzantium in Western scholarship. It continues to include the study of the Byzantines in Russia in the modern day. Russia indeed can be said to have gained much of its culture from the Byzantines, which makes it rather appropriate that Russian study accounts should be included. Vasiliev goes on to comprise many other sources which he himself has referred to or that he recommends to those interested in the history of Byzantium should research. The history itself begins with Constantine and Christianity; going to include the changes of religion in the Byzantine Empire and the beginning troubles with the Church and Papacy in Rome. His and Diocletian's reforms are succinctly recorded, and an extremely detailed line of Emperors and the Byzantine society up until the sixth century follow. The amazing depth of knowledge can already be grasped at its overwhelming size, and these are only the first two comprehensive chapters! The first Volume continues to deeply consider the amazing history of this longevous Empire; through the time of Justin and his amazing successor, Justinian I and their immediate successors, to the ?Heraclian Epoch?, the ?Iconoclastic Epoch? and the ?Macedonian Epoch?, all of which are separate chapters, deeply detailed, referenced and analysed. Footnotes adorn each page, providing a further wealth of detail. Throughout the volume, the political, social and religious developments are considered, the notable Emperors discussed and the literature and arts canvassed, providing a magnificently comprehensive picture of the Byzantine era. A light read it is not; it takes dedication and resolve to continue to read; but once the reader has immersed him or herself in this rich history, they will never wish to stop, and as a book for references or random information on the Byzantines, it has few equals. Vasiliev has created a volume that is virtually impossible to surpass for sheer detail and interest. For those who have an interest in the Byzantine history, this book should be a bible, as I myself have read few books that could equal this one in the provision of information. Truly, a masterpiece of in-depth history and culture; to be read and admired by all whose interest leads them down the path of the amazing Byzantines.

"There is a long-held feeling in Russia that Moscow is the true heir to the Christian Byzantine Empire. In 1894, Imperial Russia opened one of the world's leading centres for Byzantine archaeology in Istanbul, the Russian Archaeological Institute - its purpose was to stake the claim that Russia was the correct heir to 'Tsargrad' (as Istanbul was referred to in Russian circles). This then is the history of that institute, and the history of Russia's efforts to reclaim its Middle East - events since in the Crimea, Syria and Georgia are all to some extent wrapped up in that historical framework. Ure looks at the founding of the Russian Archaeological Institute, its aims and its place in the 'digging-race' which characterised the late Imperial phase of modern history. Above all she shows how the practise of history has been used as a political tool, a form of "soft power". This book will appeal to Byzantine scholars and archaeologists as well as historians of Russia in the late 19th century."--Bloomsbury Publishing.

Striking illustrtions enhance this concise social, political, cultural, and religious history of Russia from the 9th century through the reign of Peter the Great.