The Byzantine revival, 780-842 /

Few historians have concerned themselves with the middle period of Byzantine history during which the Empire experienced remarkable revival that was to prepare Byzantium for significant change--great expansion in the East, defeat of the Arabs, and conversion of the Bulgars and Slavs. Treadgold's massive book is the first general history to focus on the beginning of this political, economic, and cultural resurgence, which he places between 780 and 842, embracing the new regime of Irene (780-802); the reforms of Nicephorus I (802-813); the struggles of Leo V and Michael II (813-829); and the ambitions of Theophilus (829-842). Intended for the scholar as well as the simply curious reader, this title is very heavily documented, generously illustrated (2 tables, 10 maps, 53 illustrations), and equipped with a glossary and end maps inside both covers. It is the first book to give a comprehensive account of the period in 75 years. Four parts of narrative are matched against two parts of analysis; the first and last chapters analyze the situation in the empire in 780 and 842 respectively, while the four middle chapters survey imperial development in terms of governmental changes, together with political, social, economic, and cultural history. A master of historical detail, Treadgold carefully explains key factors that contributed to this revival--demographic growth, the decline of the caliphate, the falling off of Arab raids and invasions, the flexibility of a seemingly new society, and the return of confidence. -J. E. Rexine, Colgate University