The Komnene Dynasty

Byzantium's Struggle for Survival 1057–1185

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Rome, Military, Other
Cover of the book The Komnene Dynasty by John Carr, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Carr ISBN: 9781526702319
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: August 30, 2018
Imprint: Pen and Sword History Language: English
Author: John Carr
ISBN: 9781526702319
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: August 30, 2018
Imprint: Pen and Sword History
Language: English

The 128-year dynasty of the Komneni (1057 to 1185) was the last great epoch of Byzantium, when the empire had to fend off Turkish and Norman foes simultaneously. Starting with the extremely able Alexios I, and unable now to count on help from the West, the Komneni played their strategic cards very well. Though the dynasty ended in cruelty and incompetence under Andronikos I (the Terrible), it fought a valiant rear-guard action in keeping eastern Christendom alive. The Komnene dynasty saw several changes in Byzantine military practice, such as the adoption of heavy cavalry on the western model, the extensive use of foreign mercenaries and the neglect of the navy (both of which were to prove a huge and possibly fatal disadvantage). A chapter is devoted to the famous Varangian Guard, which included many Saxons in exile following the Norman conquest of England. The terrible defeat at Myriokephalon in 1176 sealed the doom of the dynasty, preparing the way for the conquest of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusaders.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The 128-year dynasty of the Komneni (1057 to 1185) was the last great epoch of Byzantium, when the empire had to fend off Turkish and Norman foes simultaneously. Starting with the extremely able Alexios I, and unable now to count on help from the West, the Komneni played their strategic cards very well. Though the dynasty ended in cruelty and incompetence under Andronikos I (the Terrible), it fought a valiant rear-guard action in keeping eastern Christendom alive. The Komnene dynasty saw several changes in Byzantine military practice, such as the adoption of heavy cavalry on the western model, the extensive use of foreign mercenaries and the neglect of the navy (both of which were to prove a huge and possibly fatal disadvantage). A chapter is devoted to the famous Varangian Guard, which included many Saxons in exile following the Norman conquest of England. The terrible defeat at Myriokephalon in 1176 sealed the doom of the dynasty, preparing the way for the conquest of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusaders.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book The Bandits of Cisterna by John Carr
Cover of the book Salute of Guns by John Carr
Cover of the book The Burning of Moscow by John Carr
Cover of the book Caligula by John Carr
Cover of the book Wellington's Engineers by John Carr
Cover of the book Chester in the Great War by John Carr
Cover of the book Mozambican Civil War by John Carr
Cover of the book Lucullus by John Carr
Cover of the book Photographing the Fallen by John Carr
Cover of the book The Battle of Britain by John Carr
Cover of the book Seaforth World Naval Review 2013 by John Carr
Cover of the book Beaucourt: Somme by John Carr
Cover of the book Sniping in the Great War by John Carr
Cover of the book Overture to Overlord - The Preparations of D-Day by John Carr
Cover of the book Oswestry and Whitchurch in the Great War by John Carr
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy