1 / 7The Emperors of Byzantium by Kevin Lygo
The Emperors of Byzantium by Kevin Lygo presents Byzantine history through the lives of its rulers, from Constantine the Great to later emperors and empresses. The account spans the empire's history and connects political and religious change with art and architecture. The listing describes a 304-page English-language first edition.
At a glance
- Narrative history structured around the lives of 92 Byzantine emperors.
- Covers political power, military command, religious devotion and cultural legacy.
- Includes notable women rulers such as Irene of Athens and Zoe Porphyrogennete.
- Discusses landmarks and artistic heritage including Hagia Sophia and the mosaics of Ravenna.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- A ruler-by-ruler framing gives readers a human-centred route into a long period of Byzantine history.
- The described scope links imperial politics with Orthodox Christianity, visual art and architecture.
- The listing identifies a concise 304-page length for readers seeking a single-volume narrative.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Thames and Hudson Ltd |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 1 Aug. 2024 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 304 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0500297991 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0500297995 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 1.63 x 19.81 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 280 g |
What to know before buying
- The listing frames the book around the lives of 92 emperors and also highlights women such as Irene and Zoe. Buyers looking for a broader account beyond rulers should note this biographical emphasis.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a narrative introduction to Byzantine history through the lives of its rulers.
- Readers interested in the links between imperial politics, Orthodox Christianity and Christian art.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a specialist reference work or a history organised primarily around topics rather than emperors.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
72% 72% - 4 stars
13% 13% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
9% 9% - 1 star
0% 0%
The supplied evidence contains aggregate ratings but no written customer feedback, so it cannot establish what readers praised or criticised. The overall rating distribution leans positive, though a minority of ratings are lower. Treat that as a broad signal rather than evidence about the book's accuracy, style or coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What period does The Emperors of Byzantium cover?
The listing describes the Byzantine Empire from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries, told through the lives of its rulers.
How is the book structured?
Its narrative is organised around the lives of 92 emperors, with notable women rulers also highlighted in the description.
What cultural topics are included?
The description connects Byzantine rule with Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Christian art and monuments including Hagia Sophia and Ravenna's mosaics.
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