Basil II and the Governance of Empire (976-1025)
This is the first book-length study in English of the Byzantine emperor Basil II. Basil II, later known as 'Bulgar-slayer', is famous for his military conquests and his brutal intimidation of domestic foes. Catherine Holmes considers the problems Basil faced in governing a large, multi-ethnic empire, which stretched from southern Italy to Mesopotamia. Her close focus on the surviving historical narratives, above all the Synopsis Historion of John Skylitzes, reveals a Byzantium governed as much by persuasion as coercion. This book will appeal to those interested in Byzantium before the Crusades, the governance of pre-modern empires, and the methodology of writing early medieval political history.
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Basil II and the Governance of Empire (976-1025)
This is the first book-length study in English of the Byzantine emperor Basil II. Basil II, later known as 'Bulgar-slayer', is famous for his military conquests and his brutal intimidation of domestic foes. Catherine Holmes considers the problems Basil faced in governing a large, multi-ethnic empire, which stretched from southern Italy to Mesopotamia. Her close focus on the surviving historical narratives, above all the Synopsis Historion of John Skylitzes, reveals a Byzantium governed as much by persuasion as coercion. This book will appeal to those interested in Byzantium before the Crusades, the governance of pre-modern empires, and the methodology of writing early medieval political history.
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Basil II and the Governance of Empire (976-1025)

Basil II and the Governance of Empire (976-1025)

by Catherine Holmes
Basil II and the Governance of Empire (976-1025)
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Basil II and the Governance of Empire (976-1025)

Basil II and the Governance of Empire (976-1025)

by Catherine Holmes

Overview

This is the first book-length study in English of the Byzantine emperor Basil II. Basil II, later known as 'Bulgar-slayer', is famous for his military conquests and his brutal intimidation of domestic foes. Catherine Holmes considers the problems Basil faced in governing a large, multi-ethnic empire, which stretched from southern Italy to Mesopotamia. Her close focus on the surviving historical narratives, above all the Synopsis Historion of John Skylitzes, reveals a Byzantium governed as much by persuasion as coercion. This book will appeal to those interested in Byzantium before the Crusades, the governance of pre-modern empires, and the methodology of writing early medieval political history.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780191535505
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication date: 11/24/2005
Series: Oxford Studies in Byzantium
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
File size: 1 MB

About the Author

Catherine Holmes is Tutor and Fellow in Medieval History, University College, University of Oxford.

Table of Contents

  • 1: Basil's reign in modern and medieval historical literature
  • 2: Basil II and John Skylitzes: the historian's career and working methods
  • 3: Basil II and the testimony of John Skylitzes: textual analysis
  • 4: Basil II and the testimony of John Skylitzes: contexts
  • 5: The revolts of Skleros and Phokas: historiography and the Skleros manifesto
  • 6: Administration and imperial authority on the eastern frontier
  • 7: Administration and imperial authority on Byzantium's western frontiers
  • 8: The reign of Basil II: a reconstruction
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