The Eastern Roman or "Byzantine" Empire had to struggle for its survival during its long history, making military capability a key requirement for a successful emperor. John Carr focuses on the personal and military stories of the most capable warriors who occupied the imperial throne in Constantinople. These include men such as its founder, Constantine I, Julian, Theodosius, Justinian, Heraclius, Leo I, Leo III, Basil I, Basil II (the Bulgar-slayer), Romanos IV Diogenes, Isaac Angelos, and Constantine XI.

The emperors of Byzantium, as well as the military structure they created and maintained, can be credited with preserving the cultural heritage of Rome and, from the seventh century, forming a bastion of Christianity against aggressive Islamic expansion. For this, the Empire's military organization had to be of a high order, a continuation of Roman discipline and skills adapted to new methods of warfare. Thus, the Empire, under the leadership of its warrior emperors, was able to endure for almost a thousand years after the fall of Rome.

Pages: 288, Dimensions: 15.6x15.6cm