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Hello,
any books or articles on the subject of Byzantine Technology? Both overviews and specialist literature would do. I heard the field is totally neglected. Is this true?
Regards
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
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Nothing?
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
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It is depressing that there is very little interest for Byzantine affairs and history.
Jeffery Wyss
"Si vos es non secui of solutio tunc vos es secui of preciptate."
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not really so little....but I believe the secret of Greek-fire was lost with the last emperor....there is actually quite a lot of interest in this area, but apparently very little in the way of publications?
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours!
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Batavian Coh I
Byron Angel
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Lionel Casson's books on ancient maritime affairs talk about Byzantine affairs a bit. David Niccole's two-volume book on medieval military technology also gives them a reasonable amount of coverage. But unfortunately, the Greek empire of the middle ages doesn't get as much attention as the German one ... probably because we don't see it as an ancestor of our own culture.
Nullis in verba
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a blog on books, swords, and the curious things humans do with them.
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Yes that is so odd too, as I am half Greek, and was totally ignorant of the Greek aspect of the eastern empire until recent years... :? oops: considering the influence of greece on western culture one would have thought this aspect of greek history would have recieved more prominence, but I suppose 400 years of Ottoman occupation help diminish that star.
Visne partem mei capere? Comminus agamus! * Me semper rogo, Quid faceret Iulius Caesar? * Confidence is a good thing! Overconfidence is too much of a good thing.
[b]Legio XIIII GMV. (Q. Magivs)RMRS Remember Atuatuca! Vengence will be ours!
Titus Flavius Germanus
Batavian Coh I
Byron Angel
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Quote:But unfortunately, the Greek empire of the middle ages doesn't get as much attention as the German one ... probably because we don't see it as an ancestor of our own culture.
Which, thanks God, is going to change gradually with the rise of the eastern-orthodox element in the EU. The Byzantine Empire is integral part of Europes cultural and historical heritage. Period.
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
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A History of Greek Fire and Gunpowder by J.R. Partington. A pretty good, engaging book. I have this one, but not really any others about specifically Byzantine military technology. There are a few articles you can find on JSTOR that I have, send me a PM if you are interested and I will try to get them to you.
And yes, it is a largely neglected (I hesitate to actually say 'ignored') topic. I am doing my master's on Byzantium now, so I know there are actually quite a few works out there, but not when compared to most other time periods.
John Baker
Justice is the constant and perpetual wish to render to every one his due.
- Institutes, bk. I, ch. I, para. I
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More Byzantine historians writing in English is definitely a good thing. I understand that work can be hard to find, though (kind of a vicious circle, since people writing about a topic create interest in it). I'm reminded that Harry Turtledove wanted to become a Byzantine historian. He had to become a writer (first technical works then SF/FA and historical fiction) because of the lack of work available in the US ... Edit: Not that I mean to discourage you, just to commiserate.
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Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)
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Great resources for everyone; the Dumbarton Oaks texts are fantastic.
John Baker
Justice is the constant and perpetual wish to render to every one his due.
- Institutes, bk. I, ch. I, para. I