Author Archives: thehistoryofbyzantium

The Imperial Administration from The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History by John Haldon

Amphora workshop in Western Turkey (From Daily Life in the Byzantine Empire by Marcus Rautman)

Cypriot village in the 19th century (From Daily Life in the Byzantine Empire by Marcus Rautman)

Farmhouse in Qirqbize in Syria (From Daily Life in the Byzantine Empire by Marcus Rautman)

We explore the lives of the people of Byzantium. From the Emperor through the court down to the farmers, merchants and minorities who made up the population.

Period: 695-802

Download: The People

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The Byzantine Empire in 780 from A History of the Byzantine State and Society by Warren Treadgold

Land use and resources in the Byzantine Empire from The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History by John Haldon

Cities in the Empire c780 from A History of the Byzantine State and Society by Warren Treadgold

We explore the remaining provinces of the Roman Empire from Sicily to Cilicia. Ok Cilicia is no longer a part of the Empire but its on the border and I liked the alliteration.

Period: 695-802

Download: Imperial Territory

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We explore the lives of the former Romans of Syria, Palestine and Egypt. We discuss the survival of language and Christianity and answer other listener questions. We also look at what the Romans and Arabs really thought of one another.

Period: 695-802

Download: The Leftovers

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Baghdad in the 8th century (Wikipedia)

We return to 700AD to chart events in the Caliphate throughout the century. We follow the disintegration of Umayyad rule and the establishment of Abbasid Baghdad.

Period: 695-802

Download: The Decline and Fall of the Arab Empire

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A coin of Charlemagne with the inscription KAROLVS IMP AVG (Karolus Imperator Augustus) from Wikipedia

How did Charlemagne and Leo each spin the coronation of 800AD? And how did the Byzantines react to the growth of Frankish power? After examining these issues we look at your questions about the 8th century West.

Period: 695-802

Download: Charlemagne and Leo (b)

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The Realm of the Franks 481 to 814 (wikipedia)

We look at developments in the West during the 8th century. We follow the rise of the Carolingians and the amazing career of Charlemagne. We also see the various dilemma faced by the Papacy and how the collapse of Byzantine influence created a new power dynamic.

Period: 695-802

Download: Charlemagne and Leo (part 1)

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Europe and the Middle East 800AD (worldhistorymaps.info)

Irene rules alone but the search for her successor undermines her. Then I recap the century and look at what Iconoclasm really represents.

Period: 797-802

Download: The Isaurian Dynasty

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Solidus of Constantine VI and Irene (from Dumbarton Oaks collection)

An army revolt leads to Constantine becoming sole ruler. But soon Irene is back in the palace while her son searches in vain for military glory. Eventually though her desire to rule again overwhelms her love for her son.

Period: 787-797

Download: A Mother’s Love

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Solidus of Constantine VI and Irene (Wikipedia)

The Patriarchal Throne in the Hagia Sophia, Nicaea (Flickr)

Hagia Sophia, Nicaea (Wikipedia)

The Empress Irene becomes Regent for her son Constantine VI and sets about securing their rule. She manages to gain the support of the bureaucracy, army and church. Then she organises another Ecumenical Council to restore the Icons.

Period: 780-787

Download: A New Helena

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