Byzantine Armies 886-1118, Men at Arms No 89, Osprey

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 matériel 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.

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

Author: Ian Heath

Illustrated by: Angus McBride

Publisher: Osprey Publishing

ISBN: 9780850453065

Description: 48 pages, Paperback, 248 X 185 mm, b/w photos, drawings, 8 colour plates, diagrams. 

Condition: NEW COPY

Shipping weight: 310 gr.

Tags: BYZANTIUM