Dyrrachium Unveiled

Military Strategies of a Pivotal Battle

A clash of empires. A test of strategy. The battle that nearly changed the fate of Byzantium.

In Battle of Dyrrachium, Author Terry Sloan uncovers the gripping story of the 1081 conflict between the rising Norman power under Robert Guiscard and the Byzantine Empire, then struggling to hold its crumbling frontiers. Often overshadowed by the Crusades that would follow just years later, this campaign marks a turning point in medieval European warfare — one defined by bold tactics, cultural rivalry, and a fight for dominance over the Adriatic coast.

Through immersive storytelling and sharp military analysis, Sloan explores:

• The political tensions between East and West that led to war

• The bold leadership of Robert Guiscard and the resilience of the Byzantine defenders

• The siege, strategy, and near-catastrophic defeat that exposed the vulnerabilities of the Byzantine military machine

• The long-term consequences for European balance of power and the coming Crusader era