Byzantine Cataphracts (from Byzantine Armies 886-1118 by Osprey)

Square infantry formation (from Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth by Eric McGeer)

Reinforced infantry anticipating an attack and closing the gaps (from Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth by Eric McGeer)

Cavalry formation (from Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth by Eric McGeer)

An interview with Eric McGeer about his book “Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth” which charts the changes in the Roman army as it moved to an offensive deployment in the 10th century.

Period: 10th century

Download: Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth with Eric McGeer

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Another view of the frontier fortresses from CPlakidas

We return to the frontier where the Phokas family inflict a series of sharp defeats on Sayf al-Dawla. Sayf starts again by restoring his border fortresses and driving off Roman attacks.

Period: 948-954

Download: Escalating Violence

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The court of Sayf al-Dawla (from the Chronicle of John Skylitzes)

Constantine VII seeks peace in the east but Sayf al-Dawla is not interested. The Emperor presses on with the attempted pacification of Crete.

Period: 945-949

Download: False Economy

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The Empire That Would Not Die by John Haldon (Harvard University Press)

An interview with Professor John Haldon about his book “The Empire That Would Not Die: The Paradox of Eastern Roman Survival, 640-740.” In particular we discuss environmental research which helps us understand important changes in Anatolia. I think you’ll be fascinated by what it can show us.

Period: 640-945

Download: The Empire That Would Not Die with John Haldon

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Constantine VII (from ‘Rulers of the Byzantine Empire’ published by KIBEA)

Ivory plaque showing the coronation of Constantine VII by Christ

David composing the Psalms from the Paris Psalter, an illuminated Byzantine manuscript produced during the 10th century.

The Limburg reliquary was created to hold a piece of the true cross. Basil Lekapenus sponsored its creation

We explore the life of Constantine VII. What was it like spending 25 years under the thumb of the Lecapeni? What did he really think of them? What did he do with his time? We also look at the many works published during his reign for clues to his personality.

Period: 905-946

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Byzantine fleet attack Rus ships (found on facebook page ‘Byzantine Military History’)

Surrender of the Mandylion from the Madrid copy of the Chronicle of John Skylitzes

A Rus raid delays John Kourkouas from leading a raid into Syria. When he does though he captures the sacred Mandylion and brings it back to the capital. Soon afterwards though he and Romanus are ousted from power.

Period: 941-945

Download: The Prudent Course

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Capture of Melitene from the Madrid copy of the Chronicle of John Skylitzes

John Kourkouas captures Melitene, providing the Empire with its first eastern conquest in centuries. The Islamic world is alarmed at this news and the Hamdanid family begin to provide resistance. However their preoccupation with Baghdad means they may have already conceded the mountains to the Romans.

Period: 931-940

Download: Melitene

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Use of a portable Byzantine flamethrower for Greek fire from atop a flying bridge against a castle. Illumination from the Poliorcetica of Hero of Byzantium.

927-8 was a terrible winter. The suffering of the common people led many to sell their farms to their wealthy neighbours. Romanus legislated quickly to put a stop to it. Meanwhile John Kourkouas led the army into Armenia with Melitene in his sights.

Period: 927-931

Download: Attract and Repel

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Romanos Lecapenus from ‘Rulers of the Byzantine Empire” published by Kibea

Back in the tent with Symeon and Nicholas we learn that a title was granted that day. Symeon wanted to be hailed as Emperor. Wrangling over this title would lead to another decade of war before the two sides could come together.

Period: 913-927

Download: A Tsar is Born

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Mosaic of Alexander from the Hagia Sophia

The new Emperor Alexander dies after only a year on the throne. The next six years see an interregnum as the Patriarch, Empress and leading Generals vie to become the guardian to young Constantine VII.

Period: 912-919

Download: A Roman Story

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