Subject Guide ~ Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Byzantium lasted a thousand years, ruled to the end by self-styled 'emperors of the Romans'. It underwent kaleidoscopic territorial and structural changes, yet recovered repeatedly from disaster: even after the near-impregnable Constantinople fell in 1204, variant forms of the empire reconstituted themselves. This volume tells that story, tracing political and military events, religious controversies and economic change. It covers the main events and periods, with more detailed chapters on particular outlying regions, neighbouring powers or aspects of Byzantium.

Currently on reserve.

This practical guide aims to facilitate the discovery of narrative sources (chronicles, annals, saints' lives) for a given area and time period. It lists editions, modern translations and, as far as possible, internet sites for texts. Nine introductory essays discuss genres of historical narrative and the methods of medieval history writing, and also highlight the special character of Byzantine, Muslim, and Eastern Christian narrative sources.