BIRTH OF THE BYZANTINE ARMY 476-641 CE, VOLUME 1: Still Late Roman?

1-958003

Challenges the long-standing historiographical tendency to focus exclusively on the Romano-Byzantine army during Justinian's reign, and extends the scope to the end of Heraclius' reign in 641. By then, Constantinople had become unmistakably Byzantine, and the Late Roman military system could no longer be sustained. Explores the changes and fresh challenges such as campaigns in North Africa and wars against the Vandals and Ostrogoths. Once those territories were conquered, the army was forced to defend them against the Moors in Africa and the Lombards in Italy. Along the Danube frontier, it also faced the Slavs and Avars, whose siege warfare threatened Byzantium itself. These pressures demanded new organization and tactics. Contains 17 black and white illustrations, 6 black and white photos, 8 color illustrations, 5 black and white maps, and 11 tables.