Marek Meško - Böcker

War in Eleventh-Century Byzantium presents new insights and critical approaches to warfare between the Byzantine Empire and its neighbours during the eleventh century.Modern historians have identified the eleventh century as a landmark era in Byzantine history. This was a period of invasions, political tumult, financial crisis and social disruption, but it was also a time of cultural and intellectual innovation and achievement. Despite this, the subject of warfare during this period remains underexplored. Addressing an important gap in the historiography of Byzantium, the volume argues that the eleventh century was a period of important geo-political change, when the Byzantine Empire was attacked on all sides, and its frontiers were breached. This book is valuable reading for scholars and students interested in Byzantium history and military history.

War in Eleventh-Century Byzantium presents new insights and critical approaches to warfare between the Byzantine Empire and its neighbours during the eleventh century.Modern historians have identified the eleventh century as a landmark era in Byzantine history. This was a period of invasions, political tumult, financial crisis and social disruption, but it was also a time of cultural and intellectual innovation and achievement. Despite this, the subject of warfare during this period remains underexplored. Addressing an important gap in the historiography of Byzantium, the volume argues that the eleventh century was a period of important geo-political change, when the Byzantine Empire was attacked on all sides, and its frontiers were breached. This book is valuable reading for scholars and students interested in Byzantium history and military history.

This monograph investigates the spectacular renewal of the Byzantine navy under the founder of the Komnenian dynasty, Alexios I (1081–1118). It traces the development of the navy, its command structure, its warships, and numerical strength during Alexios I’s reign and the reign of his immediate successors, John II (1118–1143) and Manuel I (1143–1180). The authors make extensive use of available written sources, engage with the archaeological context, and use advanced statistical analysis. The study underscores a critical transition: in 1081, Alexios inherited a navy in terminal decline from long-term neglect. The Komnenian reforms repositioned the fleet as a useful tool of Byzantine foreign policy during the era of the Crusades. Archaeological context confirms that maritime circulation in Byzantine waters changed significantly during this period.