Reviewed by annieb123 on
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.
Reading updates
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- 31 May, 2022: Reviewed
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 31 May, 2022: Reviewed