Byzantine Fortifications: Protecting the Roman Empire in the East

by Kontogiannis, Nikos D

The Byzantine empire was one of the most powerful forces in the Mediterranean and Near East for over a thousand years. Strong military organization, in particular widespread fortifications, was essential for its defence. Yet this aspect of its history is often neglected, and no detailed overview has been published for over thirty years. That is why Nikos Kontogiannis's ambitious account of Byzantine fortifications -their construction and development and their role in times of war -is such a valuable and timely publication.

His ambitious study combines the results of decades of wide-ranging archaeological work with an account of the armies, weapons, tactics and defensive strategies of the empire throughout its long history. Fortifications built in every region of the empire are covered, from those in Mesopotamia, Syria and Africa, to those in Asia Minor, the Aegean and the Balkan peninsula.

This all-round survey is essential reading and reference for anyone with a special interest in the Byzantine empire and in the wider history of fortification.

• ISBN13: 9781526710253
• Publish Date: 21 April 2022
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 240
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Byzantine Fortifications is a well written and accessible guide to the strategic fortifications of the eastern Roman Empire by historian Dr. Nikos Kontogiannis. Due out 30th May 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a beautifully illustrated volume which covers an impressively broad time period - from early 3-4th century fortifications through the late Byzantine 13th-15th century. The unifying strategic importance, location, and development are well explained by the author in a manner which is understandable to the layperson. There are maps, line drawings and schematics, and modern photographs of ancient castles and fortifications.

The author writes engagingly. It's clear he's both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his area of expertise. It's easy to imagine he would be a gifted lecturer and instructor. Although it's accessible to the layperson, the volume is meticulously annotated throughout and the chapter notes and source annotations will provide readers with many hours of further reading. I especially liked seeing the modern photos of ancient ruins.

Five stars. This would make a superlative choice for public and school library acquisition as well as a fine addition to the home library for readers of military history, archaeology, etc.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.