"Byzantine Armies 886-1118"von Heath, Ian

Men-at-Arms 89
Author: Ian Heath
Illustrator: Angus McBride

The Byzantines had a remarkably sophisticated approach to politics and military strategy. Unlike most of their contemporaries, they learnt very early in their history that winning a battle did not necessarily win a war, and they frequently bought off their enemies with treaties and bribes rather than squander men and matriel in potentially fruitless campaigns. The Byzantine army of the 10th and early 11th centuries, at the height of its power and efficiency, was the best-organised, best-trained, best-equipped and highest-paid in the known world. This splendid book by Ian Heath examines the Byzantine Armies from 886-1118, including the lusty, hard-fighting, hard-drinking 'barbarian' Varangian guard.

Contents

- Introduction
- Organization
- The Tagmata
- The Varangian Guard
- The Theme System
- The Terrible Day: Manzikert 1071
- The Post-Manzikurt Period
- The Plates

Osprey
48 pages,
Paperback,
1979