The Byzantine Empire by Charles William Chadwick Oman (PDF)

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⭐”Byzantine” is usually defined as complex or intricate, and in the worst of cases, devious. Ever since Edward Gibbon’s “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” in the 19th Century, this is how modern historians have classified the Eastern Roman Empire. And while it is true that certain aspects of this nation–especially some of its unscrupulous leaders–were truly “byzantine,” the reality is much more nuanced.Before Gibbon, historians called this nation what its own citizens and other nations called it: the Roman Empire. After all, even though the capital was officially moved to Constantinople in the fourth century, and even after the western half of the empire was demolished in the fifth century, most legal and cultural aspects of the Roman Empire remained intact in the east until it was finally vanquished in 1453. The one notable exception to this was the Greek language spoken by the majority.This is the primary truth that William Charles Chadwick Oman seeks to set forth in his volume. He ably covers most of the major historical episodes, including the Emperor Constantine moving the capital of the Roman Empire to Constantinople, the exploits of the legendary General Belisarius who regained many of the lost western lands (albeit briefly), and the Empire’s ongoing struggles against Persia, Western Europe, and Islam. Oman also tells the story of the inhabitants of the Empire: how they lived, their attitudes towards their various emperors and generals, their great emphasis upon arts and literature, and the role of religion. All of these areas are crisply covered, in spite of the relative brevity of this volume.I especially liked the narrative that flowed throughout this book. Some historical works can be rather dry, but this one was not. In particular, Oman did a solid job focusing on the inevitability of the Empire’s decline, and how in its later years, it was merely a matter of time before the Ottoman Turks would conquer it, as happened under Mehmet II. The irony is that, inevitable as Constantinople’s fall was, it still came as a major shock when news of this event reached Western Europe. Oman captured this very well.There is only one reason why I did not give this book five stars: it had precious little to say about the Great East-West Schism of 1047. This was one of the defining moments of the Middle Ages, and of the history of the Christian Church. To not address it–let alone give it the full attention it deserves–is disappointing.All told, though, it is a satisfying read. I highly recommend it as a great starting place where one can learn more about the glorious Eastern Roman–not Byzantine–Empire.

⭐This book is an excellent overview of the Eastern Roman Empire from the 5th Century after the fall of Rome to the Germanic peoples up until the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Muslims. After the fall of Rome, the center of Roman administration moved to Byzantium, later named changed to Constantinople by Constantine. Constantine recognized the strategic military and economic power that the location of Byzantium held, moving Rome’s administrative power to the location. He also foresaw the strategic advantage that the rising Christian religion could bring to organize and control his empire. The wall of Constantinople were unassailable for hundred of years, and was the primary reason for the long lasting dominance of Constantinople. Every ruler is touched over the thousand years, some great, some not so, usurpers, incompetents and others great leaders. The economic basis of Constantinople, once the center of trade between the east and the west, gradually wore away with the rise of Genoa and Venice. This loss of economic strength ultimately weakened Constantinople military strength, and opened them up to losses with barbaric tribes to the north, and ultimately the Muslims.

⭐Very readable introduction to Byzantine history; although a history major, I admit that most history books I pick up I never finish, but this one was straight through in a few days.I hold back a star because, perhaps due to the century old climate of opinion, I wasn’t sure I was seeing the Turk side of thing, even given the language of the time. I feel like a very detailed, professional modern historical survey would present a very different view of events.Then again, that survey probably exists, and I would never finish it because it would be dry and hard to focus on, and this way at least I GOT the major events, and the picture of a competent governmental structure and incredible turn arounds holding an empire plagued by inconsistent leadership together for over a millenia.

⭐The book is old, published at the close of the 19th century, and it shows at times. On the whole the book is a great primer though, and is a good first read to lower oneself into Byzantine history – which is useful since its history spans over 1000 years. I enjoyed it, and look forward to learning and reading more. For me it helped put some events into perspective, and also learned about some for the very first time; however on others I wish it would have went into a little more detail.

⭐An interesting and engaging read for what it is. Older history books seem to read like Tolkien to me, where history is a string of governmental administrations and wars. This book was particularly good at viewing the Byzantine Empire as a long-arc story in itself, so the dramatic ending is super compelling, and closing the book at the end really makes you reflect for some time afterwards.On the other hand, modern readers might have a little harder time with the prose, as well as the under-emphasis of what an “average Joe” in the empire was like. How did people live? What was important to them? Etc. Additionally the author makes little attempt to hide his judgments about who the villains and heroes were.

⭐Excellent read that covers about 1000 years of Roman empire history sorely neglected in books and courses of western civilization. Great readability and style of writing. A narrative overview of the events with enough context to make them sensible. I wanted a good first read on this subject and this book did a better job of it than I could hope for.

⭐Lots of good info, and more condense and ordered than some other works on the topic. I lament that the general knowledge of the Byzantine Empire is loosely bits we acquire from round the edge of other histories such as Roman, Greek, French, and Church History. There was a whole other world going on, and we will understand our own when we understand this one better.

⭐A worthy addition to the neo-Byzantinist’s bookcase as there’s some fascinating details missing from even Viscount Norwich’s vast work. Lovely illustrations too; Imperatrix Theodora looks stunning and now I can write ‘Basiliea Rhomaion Romanos’ in greek.Recommended despite its age.

⭐An excellent overview of this interesting empire and its role in history. A little dated but an excellent introduction to this period of history.

⭐Perfect

⭐Ce livre est un résumé de l’entièreté de l’histoire de cet empire par, une certaine présence, l’opinion de l’auteur. On ne peut le blâmer, vu que dans son temps c’était chose très normal, et si je peux me le permettre, c’est même une bonne chose.Cette opinion, qu’elle vient de textes qu’il a lu ou de sa propre personne, ajoute un certain plaisir à la lecture, ce que j’apprécie.Un excellent résumé et une certaine émotion au texte rend ce livre, pas indispensable, mais bien très intéressant à posséder et découvrirI have held the theory that civilizations are not defeated by invaders, rather they loose to them. They loose by bad choices and incompetence in the command of the armed forces and at the political level.This book and Alexander: A History of the Origin and Growth of the Art of War, The Chinese Account of the Opium War, and The Byzantine empire all seem to prove this. They all are excellent reads and sources for the amateur historian or a person curious about history.

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