Military History of Byzantine Rome, 1204-1261

Many studies of Byzantine military history conclude with the events of 1204, when forces of the Fourth Crusade turned on their ostensible allies and took Constantinople. It could be argued that, with the ‘New Rome’ in enemy hands, the long, glorious history of the Roman Empire had finally come to an end also in its eastern portion what we commonly call Byzantium. As a result, little has been written in English about the military history of the turbulent half century covered in this book. However, numerous leaders rose to resist the conquerors, and three so-called Byzantine successor states, known as Nicaea, Epiros, and Trebizond, proved durable. They fought numerous campaigns and battles for survival and recovery, culminating in the recapture of Constantinople by Nicaean troops in 1261. Dr Juho Wilskman narrates the course of these fascinating events. He shows how the military institutions and methods of warfare showed much continuity with the earlier Byzantine art of war, and also how they adapted to the evolving strategic situation and new enemies. Using primary sources and incorporating the latest research and information, he shines a long overdue light on this significant and unduly neglected interlude in the history of the Byzantine Empire.