Past and Present of Warfare
Tag: Byzantine Empire
Introduction Byzantine Empire was defined by its Roman heritage, Greek culture and Christian identity. Emperor was head of the state, but was also seen as protector of the faith, which meant that a heresy was automatically rebellion against the Empire. Because the Byzantine Empire was the only real holy Christian empire, Roman Emperor was automatically … Continue reading Religion and War in the Byzantine Empire
By AD 641., Roman Empire had lost its easternmost provinces. Income of the empire in the second half of 7th century was only about one-fifth (20%) of what it had been before the Arabic invasions. It has also lost most of its major urban centers, and those that remained would experience the process of reduction … Continue reading Byzantine Guerilla Warfare
Basic Principles Byzantine emperor Leo had defined strategy as utilization of theory and practice in adjusting to realities of warfare. Byzantine concept of strategy encompasses all aspects of warfare – everything that is today covered under strategy, operations, tactics, logistics and geography. Byzantines did not compartmentalize the skillset, as is done today. Byzantine emperors were, … Continue reading Basic Principles of Byzantine Strategy
Introduction Byzantines saw their conflict with Islam as a "conflict of civilizations" between traditional Roman world and a desert menace. But at first, this was not actually the case. Whereas Muslims had, from the start, separated the world into dar al-Islam ("Land of Islamd") and dar al-harb ("House of War"), from Roman point of view, … Continue reading Why Did Byzantine Empire Survive For So Long
Introduction After Roman conquest of Illyricum, conflicts are nearly constant on its borders. From 1st to 4th century AD, there are conflicts with Sarmatians on the Danube, especially along the Lower Pannonian limes. During the reign of Domitian, Pannonia saw the deployment of legions XIV Gemina and XXV Rapax, latter of which is completely destroyed … Continue reading Danube Limes
While I originally wrote this for sci-fi setting I am working on, general principles are usable in modern world as well. OVERVIEW Laigin culture sees war as a necessary evil – but as the saying goes, "if you have to do something, you have no excuse for not doing it to the best of your … Continue reading Byzantine military doctrine in modern practice
Video is quite relevant to modern Europe; best watch it yourselves.
History and War 