Cavusin Church, Cappadocia. Inside the left apse you can see the Imperial family (global-geography.org)

Here is a close up (cappadociaexclusivetravel.com)

Top – the Crucifixion. Below – Roman soldiers in procession in support of the Phokades. John Tzimiskes on horse (Alamy Stock photos)

Byzantine cavalry charge outside the walls of Tarsus (from the Byzantine military history facebook group)

Roman bridge at Mopsuestia, originally built by Justinian (now Misis in Turkey)

Nicephorus leads the armies in person against Tarsus and Mopsuestia, bringing Cilicia and Cyprus back into the Empire.

Period: 964-6

Download: Cilicia

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Nicephorus Phocas (from ‘Rulers of the Byzantine Empire’ published by KIBEA)

The image of Nicephorus which the modern illustration is based on

Nicephorus II, Virgin Mary on left (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)

We discuss Nicephorus’ life and career and what his rise meant for Romania.

Period: 963-4

Download: The White Death of the Saracens

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960 – Battle of Andrassus, Leo ambushes Sayf (weaponsandwarfare.com)

The Citadel of Aleppo (thewallwillfall.wordpress.com)

The Citadel of Aleppo (wikipedia)

We catch up on what Romanus II and Sayf were up to during the Cretan expedition. Then we move forward with Nicephorus Phokas as he sacks Aleppo.

Period: 959-963

Download: Triumphal Procession

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Romanus II (Dumbarton Oaks coin collection)

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With Nicephorus Phokas in charge of the military the Romans win a string of victories against Sayf al-Dawlah. Constantine VII decides to attack Crete again but dies before the expedition sets off.

Period: 954-960

Download: Third Time’s the Charm

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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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