Byzantine Art

The Byzantine Empire survived as a self-contained political entity longer than any other in the history of Christianity. This history by Charles Oman is a catalog of good, bad, and indifferent emperors who either pushed Byzantine Civilization to new heights or savagely drove it to defeat and dissolution. It is a strange tale populated by some of the most interesting men and women who have ever lived.

The Byzantine Empire was founded during the chaotic third century. It was the time when revolts and civil wars were common, and Roman emperors merely lasted for a year. Despite being one of the most captivating historical periods of all time, the Byzantine Empire is a lesser known one.

According to history books, the Roman Empire ended in 476 CE with the fall of Rome. But if you asked most people alive at that time, they would have pointed you to what they considered the continuation of the Roman Empire - the civilization we now call the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines, however, were more than just a remnant of Roman glory. At its geographical peak, the Byzantine Empire stretched out across the Mediterranean world.

The book covers the history of the Byzantine Empire from late antiquity until the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 AD. The author provides a comprehensive view of this great empire which was characterized by Orthodox Christianity, Greek culture and language, and Roman traditions.

In 1892, Sir Charles Oman, a pioneer in military history lifted the curtain and offered the world a rare insight into the Byzantine world. His ground-breaking book on Byzantine history helped bring the attention of historians back to an era that shaped medieval empires, cultures and European history in general. From the foundation of Constantinople to the fall of an empire: embark on a unique adventure! By the end of this eye-opening Byzantine history book, you will be able to fully understand the immense significance of the Byzantine Empire and its cultural legacy.

The bubonic plague was the worst affliction ever visited upon Europe and the Mediterranean world. Within a few short years, a quarter of the population was taken after a short but torturous illness. Those who escaped faced famine and economic hardship. Crops were left unsown; the harvests spoiled for lack of harvesters; villages, towns, and great cities were depopulated. Markets were destroyed; and trade ground to a halt. It must have seemed like the end of the world to the terrified populace.

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the basilica of Santa Sofia, the largest Byzantine monument. For 916 years, the basilica was Christian, while for the last 481 it was Muslim. In 1934 it became a museum. For 900 years, until the construction of the famous Duomo of Florence, in 1436, it had no equal in terms of the height of its interior. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the basilica of St. Nicholas, widely known especially because it preserves the remains of the Saint Nicholas. Bari has been known since Roman times. Although the Normans conquered the city in 1071, it retained its Byzantine cultural heritage and the local clergy remained Byzantine.

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the cathedral. The island of Torcello, populated since Roman times, sheltered the population from the mainland, during the Gothic invasion period. The basilica of Santa Maria Assunta was built in 639. The fulcro of the cathedral are the magnificent mosaics, executed by local and Byzantine workers. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the basilica of St. Nicholas, widely known especially because it preserves the remains of the Saint Nicholas. Bari has been known since Roman times. Although the Normans conquered the city in 1071, it retained its Byzantine cultural heritage and the local clergy remained Byzantine.

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the basilica of Santa Sofia, the largest Byzantine monument. For 916 years, the basilica was Christian, while for the last 481 it was Muslim. In 1934 it became a museum. For 900 years, until the construction of the famous Duomo of Florence, in 1436, it had no equal in terms of the height of its interior. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.