Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #317339 in Books
• Published on: 1979-07-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

Customer Reviews

The Army of Byzantium
This book provides a snapshot of the Byzantine army from 886-1118. This was an eventful period that saw Basil II's campaigns, the rise of the Varangian guards and the 'terrible day' at Manzikert.

Ian Heath discusses the army of the period, its organisation, the Tagmata cavalry and the famous Varangian guardsmen. He also looks at Mercenaries and the post-Manzikert army. Although the book was not as detailed as I would have wished, these sections were still a great read.

I was very pleased with the colour plates, courtesy of Angus McBride. These illustrate the appearance of the Varangians, the Cataphracts, the Skutatos, Peltastos, Clibanarii, Guard officers of the Byzantines. Even a reconstruction of the emperor in parade armour is given. Of Byzantium's enemies and allies, the Normans and Seljuk Turks are portrayed.

This might not be the best book on the subject, but it is a brilliant introduction to the topic. Recommended!