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Of all the Byzantine emperors, John Cantacuzene stands out. Famed for his many talents and illustrious career, he was the only emperor to leave his memoirs to posterity. But his legacy came not from his role as emperor. Instead it came from his work as a monk and theologian. In “The Reluctant Emperor,” Donald Nicol gives an interesting account of this controversial individual.

Nicol has made lasting contributions to Byzantine studies throughout his career as a historian. One of his career highlights includes serving as the vice-principal of King’s College. Another is being the founder-editor of the scholarly journal Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. His written works include, “The Last Centuries of Byzantium, 1261-1453” and “The Immortal Emperor: The Life and Legend of Constantine Palaiologos, Last Emperor of the Romans.”

In “The Reluctant Emperor,” Nicol manages to achieve the following aims. He successfully provides a comprehensive biography of John while addressing the various misconceptions surrounding him. He also shows how John’s lasting legacy came about as a monk and theologian. Finally, Nicol fills in the gaps in history about John by providing a thoughtful critique on his character, achievements and failures.

The rise of John Cantacuzene

The devastation inflicted on the Byzantine Empire by the 4th Crusade reduced it to a regional power surrounded on all sides by formidable enemies. This was the world that John Cantacuzene was born into. John had a privileged birth which gave him access to the elite social circles in the Byzantine Empire. There, he met and befriended the future emperor Andronicus III who trusted him with his life. By helping Andronicus III to organize the overthrow of the reigning emperor Andronicus II, John became the true power behind the throne. The strengths of John and Andronicus III complemented each other. John’s prudence and administrative ability guided the vigorous leadership of Andronicus III. This beneficial change in government did much to strengthen the power and prestige of the Byzantine Empire.

The succession issue of Andronicus III

Unfortunately, Andronicus died early without leaving a clearly defined successor. Although Andronicus had a son, John V Palaeologus, he had never officially nominated him as his successor and co-emperor. Complicating matters, Andronicus had offered the position of co-emperor to his trusted friend John years ago before John V was born. John however declined the position. This succession issue soon led to civil war which weakened the Byzantine Empire. Ultimately, John prevailed after much difficulty and became senior emperor. But his refusal to dispose of John V, whom he made his son-in-law, would cause him problems later on.

The troubled reign of Emperor John VI Cantacuzene

As an emperor, John faced problems on multiple fronts. He had to deal with the fallout of the civil war, the black plague, foreign invasions, an empty treasury and the management of dwindling imperial territory. His financial reforms and introduction of new taxes caused him to lose much popular support. John’s overreliance on and friendliness with the Turks also gave his enemies another reason to oppose him. Worsening matters, he failed to settle the family dispute between his son Matthew and the junior emperor John V. This led to yet another series of hostilities. After a rule of seven troubled years, John had enough. He abdicated in favour of John V.

John Cantacuzene as the monk Joasaph

Many emperors who became monks faded into obscurity. But John was an exception. He actually enjoyed greater popularity and moral authority as a monk for the next thirty years of his life. Even the emperor John V Palaeologus sought his advice on affairs of the state. Freed from the burden of rule, John spent the rest of his time dealing with religious matters which would become his enduring legacy.

How Donald Nicol cleared the name of John Cantacuzene

John was a controversial figure in Byzantine history and he knew it. Naturally his contemporaries viewed his actions with suspicion which was part of the reason for the civil war. Here, Nicol patiently explains and corrects each misunderstanding through evidence and analysis. For example, John’s enemies accused him of supporting hesychasm, a religious doctrine, during his reign for political purposes. But Nicol refutes this by pointing out that John continued to defend hesychasm long after his abdication. Ironically, John’s defence of hesychasm became his lasting legacy to the world today.

Analysis of the life of John Cantacuzene

Finally, Nicol analyzes the character, achievements and failures of John. For me, this was the most enjoyable part of the book; gaining a more intimate understanding of the man. Firstly, Nicol shows how multi-faceted John’s character was from the account of his friends. John’s firm friendship with the Turks was highly unusual for his time. Secondly, Nicol also provides insight into the way John perceived the Byzantine Empire and the world around him. This worldview shaped John’s actions and policies. Lastly, Nicol reveals the reasons behind John’s actions as he struggled to cope with the problems he faced.

Throughout the book, Nicol makes skilful use of his sources to shed light on John Catacuzene. For example he explains how John reclaimed Northern Greece for the Byzantine Empire through his eloquence. So persuasive was John that the three rebel commanders surrendered their cities after listening to him. All these revelations provide a deeper understanding of this complex individual.

How you will benefit from reading “The Reluctant Emperor”

The Reluctant Emperor has given me a deeper understanding of John Cantacuzene and the final years of the Byzantine Empire before its irreversible decline. At the end of the book, I find myself agreeing with Nicol assessment of John. Had John been more determined and ruthless, he may have been able to restore the Byzantine Empire. Nevertheless, the following are just some of the benefits you will derive from reading this entertaining book.

Firstly, you will have a thorough account of John’s life. Beginning with his background, Nicol covers his rise and ascension, his troubled reign and finally his life as a monk and theologian. Secondly, Nicol provides many anecdotes which are crucial to understanding the character of John Cantacuzene. In the process you also learn about the Byzantine Empire in the 14th century. Thirdly, Nicol corrects the various misunderstandings of John with proper evidence so that his true character shines forth. Lastly, Nicol gives a thorough analysis of John’s life and actions. By the end of the book, you will have a comprehensive understanding of this uniquely Byzantine individual.

If you are interested in learning more about John Cantacuzene, click on the link below to purchase the book.

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Mistra, in its prime, was a centre of influence in the Peloponnese. At the height of its eminence, it became the second most important city in the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople. But the influence of Mistra during its short lived glory went beyond the Peloponnese. Kingdoms from all over the Mediterranean sought to control Mistra to further their ambitions. Now, Steven Runciman provides a gripping account of Mistra’s rise and fall in “The Lost Capital of Byzantium.”

During his lifetime, the esteemed medievalist historian Steven Runciman travelled widely in the Mediterranean. Upon discovering the ruins of ancient Mistra, he developed an endearing fascination with it. Over the course of time, Runciman returned repeatedly to visit the ancient ruins. The hospitality he received during each visit from the people of modern day Mistra had a profound impact on him. It was to repay their kindness that Runciman dedicated “The Lost Capital of Byzantium,” to them. Runciman has written many books throughout his career. His most famous work is “A History of the Crusades.”

In “The Lost Capital of Byzantium,” Runciman gives a comprehensive history of Mistra from beginning to end. He argues that many factors influenced the history of Mistra. But the most significant of these factors was the Peloponnese where Mistra was located. Due to its unique circumstances, it is difficult to appreciate Mistra in a vacuum. By the end of the book, Runciman shows how an understanding of the history and motivations of those who sought to control the Peloponnese is important in appreciating Mistra.

How Mistra was born

Runciman opens with a sweeping history of the Peloponnese and the civilizations that lived there throughout the ages. Even in those early times, external influences shaped the Peloponnese and its inhabitants. Many invaders sought to dominate the Peloponnese and fought bloody battles over it. The narrative soon centres on the Fourth Crusade and the rise of the Villehardouin, who were the masters of the Peloponnese by 1213. Runciman’s focus here is amply justified. By relating these events, Runciman shows how they led to the birth of Mistra in 1249.

How Mistra rose to prominence and flourished

But Mistra did not become important overnight. A series of events over which it had no control shaped its destiny. In 1262, the Battle of Pelagonia in Macedonia ended with the Byzantine Empire gaining control of Mistra. It was under the Byzantines that Mistra slowly became prominent. By the 1280s, Mistra received a boost in status by becoming the capital of the Byzantine territories in the Peloponnese. Mistra, with its centralized position and natural defences, was an ideal base for the Byzantines in their ongoing struggle for control of the Peloponnese. But this alone did not make Mistra important. The period from the 1300s-1400s was one of great unrest. Yet Mistra flourished and became a centre for learning and the arts. This was only possible due to Mistra’s luck in having enlightened governors to shape its development.

How the actions of the enlightened Despots shaped Mistra

Enlightened Despots like Manuel Cantacuzenus and Theodore II Palaeologus helped to make Mistra important. Their statesmanship allowed Mistra to thrive amidst great difficulties. Under their rule, Mistra continued to attract scholars and artists from far and wide as the Greek peninsula fell to the Ottomans. Its most famous resident in the early fifteenth century was George Gemistus Plethon. His mere presence alone enhanced the prestige of Mistra and contributed to its glory.

The fate of Mistra under Ottoman rule

Sadly, the Ottoman conquest of Mistra changed everything. The resulting brain drain stripped Mistra of its former vitality as many scholars fled west to avoid Ottoman rule. Despite being a cultural centre in its prime, Mistra was just another provincial capital in the mighty Ottoman Empire. It too was subject to the Sultan’s dictates from Constantinople. Although Ottoman rule bought relative peace and prosperity to Mistra, their rule caused much resentment amongst the Greeks.

As the years passed, the Ottomans declined in might, becoming powerless to defend the Peloponnese. Runciman describes how control of the Peloponnese changed hands many times with damaging effects for Mistra. Mistra finally met its end during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s. In birth, life and death, Mistra had little control over its fate. The new Kingdom of Greece decided to leave ancient Mistra in ruins. All that remains today is the modern day town of Mistra that grew out of the suburbs of the ancient city.

What the city and atmosphere of Byzantine Mistra was like

To complete his tale, Runciman provides a description of Byzantine Mistra. He describes the way the houses and streets are laid out. At other points he muses about important buildings and who their inhabitants might have been. Not only does he give a guided tour of the ancient city, he also explains the philosophical and cultural atmosphere during its prime. This allows the reader to experience Mistra through the eyes of a man who loved and knew the city well. It also provides for a better appreciation of ancient Mistra and its charms.

How you will benefit from reading “The Lost Capital of Byzantium”

I came away from the book with the haunting beauty of Mistra etched firmly in my mind. Part of Mistra’s appeal is how such an important city during its prime is nothing but ruins today. At least for that fleeting moment in time, Mistra had its glory.

The following are just some of the benefits which I hope you will derive from reading the book. Firstly, you will learn about the history of Mistra and the Peloponnese in greater detail. Secondly, you will know about the important people who shaped the development of Mistra. Runciman even provides juicy details where possible. Lastly, the guided tour provided by Runciman through ancient Mistra allows you to experience the ancient city from the comfort of your chair.

You can also experience ancient Mistra for yourself by clicking on the link below to purchase this book.

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John Julius Norwich completes his trilogy of the Byzantine Empire with “Byzantium: The Decline and Fall.” As usual, he spins a fascinating yarn. However this book is ultimately a tragic account of the empire’s inevitable decline. But even though the empire stumbled from disaster to disaster, it did not go without a good fight. During these long years, there were even a few moments of revival. At the final siege of Constantinople, Byzantium made its last stand against overwhelming odds before disappearing from the world forever.

Norwich is in his element when it comes to the Eastern Mediterranean. He lectures regularly and presents various historical documentaries on the region. Furthermore, he is also the author of “A History of Venice” and “Mount Athos.” As such, he has a wealth of experience about the region which he kindly shares with us in the last book of his trilogy.

In “Byzantium: The Decline and Fall,” Norwich covers a period of three hundred years. He begins with the ascension of Alexius and ends with the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. The abundance of material for this period allows Norwich to display his fine eye for detail and selection. The result is a memorable account of the empire’s final days. In this book, Norwich achieves his twin aims of detail and excitement.

How Alexius Comnenus struggled to save the Byzantine Empire

The story opens with the impact of Manzikert and the disastrous consequences that followed due to the weakness of the Byzantine emperors. The empire faced attacks on all sides. Worsening matters its army revolted as well. But in the midst of these difficulties, one shining beacon of light stood out; Alexius Comnenus. Norwich devotes considerable time and effort into giving a moving account of Alexius’s rise and rule. The reason is soon clear for this man struggled against overwhelming odds to defend and rebuild the empire, while undoing the damage wrought by Manzikert.

How the Crusades impacted the Byzantine Empire

The Crusades played a large part in shaping the Byzantine Empire and Norwich gives it due attention. He patiently covers the causes, the challenges and the aftermath of the Crusades on the empire. So vivid is his coverage of the Fourth Crusade that it is painful to read. The sack of Constantinople and the establishment of the Latin Empire caused grave damage to Byzantium’s morale, unity, economy and military might. Thankfully, Michael VIII Palaeologus recovered Constantinople during his reign. But despite his efforts the empire was never to recover its former strength and glory.

Factors that contributed to the decline of the Byzantine Empire

The last two hundred years of Byzantine history is the hardest to read. Disaster followed disaster. The Catalan mercenaries devastated Byzantine territories. Then, the Byzantines engaged in civil wars instead of staying united against their enemies. As a result there was no one to check the growing power of the Ottomans. Too weak to defend his empire, the Byzantine emperor became a vassal of the Ottoman Sultan. Furthering his humiliation, he was forced to travel abroad to seek help from the Western powers against the Ottoman threat.

The fall of Constantinople

During the final siege of Constantinople, the Byzantines had one last moment of glory. Under the leadership of Constantine XI, they put up a heroic last stand against the overwhelming Ottoman forces. They might have succeeded in repelling the Ottomans, but God abandoned them at the crucial moment. Although the empire fell, it fell with its pride and honour intact instead of surrendering ignobly.

Consequences of the fall of the Byzantine Empire

Norwich sums up the end of the Byzantine Empire and the consequences for Europe. With the empire finally destroyed, there was nothing to stop the Ottomans from expanding into Europe. The West would face their retribution for their short-sighted greed and pettiness. They would learn to appreciate the importance of the Byzantine Empire the hard way. I fully agree with Norwich’s closing arguments against the obscurity to which the West has consigned this magnificent empire to.
Insightful anecdotes reveal the struggles of the Byzantine Empire

As usual, the carefully chosen anecdotes give greater insight into the events that shaped the Byzantine Empire. In her fascinating account, Anna Comnena paints a formidable portrait of the Amazon Sichelgaita, wife of the adventurer Robert Guiscard. Anna relates how Sichelgaita rallied her fleeing men to win the battle for the Normans against the Byzantines.

Another anecdote involves the siege of Constantinople. The Ottoman Sultan Bayezid had just issued an ultimatum to emperor John VII. Despite his desperate circumstances, John VII replied defiantly and refused to surrender the city. Luckily for the Byzantines, Tamerlane’s victory over Bayezid saved them from temporary destruction.

How you will benefit from reading “Byzantium: The Decline and Fall”

This book is a fitting conclusion to Norwich’s trilogy on the Byzantine Empire. Firstly, you will experience important events like the Crusades and the Fall of Constantinople for yourself. Secondly, you will learn about the contributing factors of the Byzantine Empire’s decline. Lastly, the anecdotes provide deeper insights into this chaotic period which you will enjoy. I have reread this book thrice largely because I admired the Byzantines for their struggle against the odds.

Experience the last centuries and struggles of Byzantium for yourself. Click on the link below to purchase this book now.

Related posts:

1. Review of The Lost Capital of Byzantium
2. Why Byzantium: The Apogee is a worthy sequel

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“Byzantium: The Apogee” is the second part of John Julius Norwich’s trilogy about the Byzantine Empire. Aimed at the general reader, it gives a fascinating account of the Byzantine Empire’s history. As usual Norwich provides a general overview without going into excessive detail. The pace is fast and action packed due to the upheavals of this period. Many more characters appear to shape events in the Byzantine Empire.

As a popular author of history, Norwich is usually busy doing research for his books. Otherwise he devotes his time to hosting numerous documentaries from the “Knights of Malta” to the “Zulu War.” He is also a regular lecturer on Venice and other related subjects. Some of his other works include “Shakespeare’s Kings” and “A Short History of Byzantium.”

In “Byzantium: The Apogee,” Norwich covers a period of three hundred years. He begins with the coronation of Charlemagne and ends with the ascension of Alexius I. With a shorter time frame to work with, Norwich is able to provide a more detailed account of events during this period. His careful selection from the large amount of contemporary sources is evident. The end result is a vivid, lively and fascinating account of Byzantium during the middle ages.

How Byzantium struggled, rose and fell during the middle ages

The story opens with a recap of Charlemagne’s coronation and its consequences. Next, Norwich narrates the ascension of the Nicephorus I. This vigorous and dynamic emperor implemented financial reforms and far-sighted policies which strengthened the Byzantine Empire. Although he failed to end the Bulgar war, the empire survived. The Bulgar war would end with a peace treaty during the reign of Leo V.

After the Bulgar war followed a civil war and the usual struggle for power. But the Byzantine Empire endured. Under the rule of able emperors like Romanus I, Nicephorus II and John I, the empire flourished and triumphed. Although Basil II began his reign inauspiciously, he overcame his internal enemies and led the empire to the zenith of its power. Sadly, a whole succession of pathetic emperors undid Basil’s hard work, culminating in the Battle of Manzikert.

Learn about the Battle of Manzikert and its impact on the Byzantine Empire

Norwich’s detailed coverage of Manzikert depicts an empire that fell from the height of its power due to mismanagement. It is hard not to feel a sense of heaviness during this dark period. Although the Emperor Romanus IV had his faults, he did his best to remedy the ills he inherited with the throne. But in the end, the political intrigues of his enemies caused his death. This led to the loss of the vital Anatolian heartlands to the Turks. At this grave juncture, Byzantium faced the danger of extinction. Here, Norwich ends superbly with the appearance of future Emperor Alexius I who seemed best suited to restore the empire.

Interesting anecdotes provide a captivating portrait of the Byzantine Empire

Norwich’s carefully selected anecdotes provide a dazzling display of life in the Byzantine Empire. I marvelled at how skilfully the learned Patriarch Photius manipulated the papal commissioners to support his deposition of his predecessor Ignatius. Firstly, he loaded the commissioners with rich gifts. Then he impressed them with his charm and erudition. Finally he amazed them with endless ceremonies and entertainment. In the end, they supported the deposition of Ignatius much to the displeasure of the Pope.

There was also the unforgettable séance that Photius performed for the troubled Emperor Basil I. Basil was mourning the loss of his favourite son Christopher. To comfort the emperor, Photius’s ingenuity led Basil to believe that he actually met his son’s apparition. And so in more ways than one, Norwich succeeds admirably in his stated aim. He presents a captivating portrait of life in Byzantium during the early middle ages through his skilful use of contemporary sources.

Insightful and memorable character analysis of heroes and monsters

But the main strength of the book is Norwich’s interest in the characters that shaped the Byzantine Empire. His analysis and fine eye for detail bring his characters to life in a memorable fashion. This serves to enhance the richness of his tale.

One of the more unforgettable and complex characters that Norwich presents is the Emperor John Tzimisces. Contemporary sources were unstinting in their praises of him. He was able, charismatic, generous, heroic and a military genius. As an emperor and ruler, he was wise and just. But the brilliance of his reign could never obscure the fact that he assassinated his uncle and emperor in cold blood to obtain the throne.

How you will benefit from reading “Byzantium: The Apogee”

This book is worth reading for the following reasons. Firstly, you will learn about the struggle, rise and fall of Byzantium during these three hundred years. Secondly, the anecdotes provide lots of juicy details about the lives of the Byzantines. I thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of Byzantium from the safety of my home. Lastly, Norwich fleshes out his characters so completely that it is hard to feel indifferent to them. Well developed characters make a good story that is worth reading about.

Learn more about the Byzantine Empire in the middle ages. Click on the link below to purchase this book now.

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For the general reader, ignorance and vagueness surrounds the history of the Byzantine Empire. Attempts to cover its thousand year history in one volume are largely unsuccessful. They are either inadequate in detail, difficult to read due to overwhelming facts or just plain boring. But now, John Julius Norwich has written an informative yet enjoyable account of the empire’s history.

Norwich’s love for the Eastern Mediterranean plays a large part in his life. He divides his time between lectures on Venice and historical documentaries on the Mediterranean. Despite his busy schedule, he has also written “A History of Venice” and “The Normans in Sicily.” As such, he is suited to tell the story of the Byzantine Empire.

Norwich divides the thousand year history of Byzantium into three books. The first book, “Byzantium: The Early Centuries,” covers the first five hundred years. Here, Norwich chronicles events beginning with the rise of Constantine the Great to the coronation of Charlemagne in 800. Despite a lack of contemporary sources, Norwich succeeds on two fronts. Firstly, he provides entertaining coverage of the Byzantine Empire for the general reader. Secondly, his book acknowledges the empire’s contribution in defending Western Europe from Eastern threats.

How Constantine the Great laid the foundations for the Byzantine Empire

Norwich begins by devoting the first two chapters to the life of Constantine the Great. In view of Constantine’s monumental decisions, this is amply justified. By adopting Christianity as his religion and making Byzantium the new capital of his empire, Constantine forever changed the course of history. Firstly, Christianity gave the empire renewed cohesion, focus and purpose. Secondly, Byzantium’s strategic and defensive position allowed the Byzantine Empire to exist for another thousand years after the death of Constantine.

Learn about important emperors and events during the early centuries of the Byzantine Empire

Norwich focuses on important events like Heraclius’s campaigns and Leo III’s Iconoclasm. He carefully explains how these events impacted the Byzantine Empire. His coverage is comprehensive without going into overwhelming detail. He also pays careful attention to emperors, like Theodosius I and Justinian, whose reigns shaped the empire significantly.

Insightful anecdotes provide a clearer picture of the Byzantine Empire

Littered throughout the book are Norwich’s carefully chosen footnotes and anecdotes. Although some are interesting, others are gruesome. But they all serve to give a better glimpse of life in the Byzantine Empire.

For example, after Heraclius won the Persian war, the Byzantines intercepted and cunningly altered the Persian king’s missive to his general. In fear for his life, the Persian general rebelled. By causing internal dissent amongst the Persians, the Byzantines crippled the ability of the Persians to attack.

On the other hand, blinding with a red hot poker was common in the empire. But the insane Emperor Justinian II used an ingenious method on the archbishop Felix. He forced the unfortunate man to stare into a heated silver dish of vinegar until his sight was gone.

How the Byzantine Empire defended Western Europe from the Eastern forces

Norwich shines in his narration of Byzantium’s struggles against the Persians and the Muslims during the 7th and 8th centuries. In both cases, the empire came close to the brink of extinction. During the Persian invasion, Byzantium lost much of its territories, while the armies of the Avars, Slavs and Persians threatened Constantinople itself. Salvation arrived in the person of the Emperor Heraclius. Through his audacity, prudence and military strategy, he saved Byzantium by striking deep into Persian domains.

Unfortunately, the war with Persia weakened Byzantium in the face of the Arab onslaught. Over the following decades, the Arabs conquered Byzantium’s eastern provinces. Some of these provinces included Syria, Damascus and Egypt. The Arabs also managed to lay siege to Constantinople twice. But on both occasions, they failed to capture the city. Norwich’s stirring account of these events acknowledges the contributions of the Byzantine Empire to the modern world. By successfully repelling the Persians and the Arabs, Byzantium saved the West from falling to the East.

How the coronation of Charlemagne impacted the Byzantine Empire

The author’s decision to end with the coronation of Charlemagne is fitting and significant. During these five hundred years, the Byzantine Empire went through a multitude of changes involving huge losses of territory. Constantine the Great would scarcely have recognized what the empire had become.

The strength and confidence of the Byzantines came from their belief that the Roman Empire was indivisible with only one Roman emperor. In a world where might was right, Charlemagne’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor highlighted the fact that the old order had changed forever. From this point on, the Byzantines had to adapt to this new order or perish. Thankfully the Byzantines adapted.

How you will benefit from reading “Byzantium: the Early Centuries”

By reading this book, you will learn the following. Firstly, you will know how the Byzantine Empire came into being. Secondly, you will learn about the important events and emperors of this period. Lastly, Norwich’s colourful anecdotes and the memorable way he portrays his characters makes an enjoyable read.

You can also experience the early centuries of Byzantium for yourself. Click on the link below to purchase this book now.

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