This book presents a new and revised approach to the Byzantine Empire from 602 to 1453 AD. It will be particularly useful for undergraduate students who are encountering Byzantium for the first time. Despite its broad thematic scope, it adequately describes the most significant disagreements and interpretative differences. It stands out especially due to its use of frameworks that allow for deeper study of primary sources and reflect developments in the field of Byzantine studies itself.

The Introduction to Byzantium: 602-1453 AD serves as an accessible university textbook for medieval Byzantium. Starting from the near collapse of Byzantium in the 7th century, the book describes its survival and growth until its absorption by the Ottoman Empire. While the chapters primarily focus on politics, they also cover a wide range of other topics, such as society and economy, arts and architecture, literature and education, military tactics and diplomacy, gender and education. They also explore controversial issues that continue to be discussed to this day, such as the relations between Islam and the West, the impact of the Crusades, the development of Russia, and the rise of Orthodox Christianity.

Each chapter, despite its concise style, contains an overview of the given period or discussed topic, a summary of ongoing historical debates, a list of primary sources, reading suggestions, and a section with the main points.

Contents:

• The main literary sources of the period 602-820
• Heraclius and the wars of survival (602-642)
• The Dark Ages (642-718)
• The first steps of revival (718-820)
• The main literary sources of the period 820-1045
• Amorians, Macedonians, and Lekapenos (820-959)
• Expansion and social change (959-1045)
• The main literary sources of the period (1045-1204)
• The crisis of the 11th century (1045-1091)
• The stability during the Comnenian dynasty (1091-1180)
• The path to destruction (1180-1204)
• Exile and restoration
• Decline and fall (1282–1453)
• Conclusion: The legacy of Byzantium