The History of the Byzantine Empire: From the Foundation of Constantinople to the Fall of the State

In 330, Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire and moved the capital to a city that would subsequently bear his name. Thus began the history of the Byzantine Empire — the oldest Christian state. Throughout its existence, its throne was occupied in turn by rulers possessing true greatness, as well as those who deserved only contempt. In the dark ages, when the light of teaching in the West had almost extinguished, the Byzantines managed to create a unique and truly remarkable phenomenon — Byzantine art, which had a tremendous influence on the entire Christian (and not only) world. The history of the Byzantine Empire lasted approximately 1123 years and 18 days, until 1453, when the news of the conquest of Constantinople caused horror throughout the Christian world.

In this book, the history of the greatness and decline of the Byzantine Empire is presented as an epic novel about grand intrigues, despotic rulers, madmen, traitors, conquests, and ultimately, tragic decline. The narrative is supplemented by numerous maps, genealogies, lists of emperors, sultans, and popes.