The Emperor Theophilos and the East, 829–842: Court and Frontier in Byzantium during the Last Phase of Iconoclasm, by Juan Signes Codoñer
James Howard‐Johnston
Byzantium began to emerge from an era of grim, defensive warfare in the 820s. It was still a highly militarised state but now ready discard guerrilla methods for more conventional style combat. There were signs revival economic and cultural fields. All this despite political instability caused by rebellion Thomas Slav early 820s damage inflicted on Byzantine resources disastrous Bulgarian war (811–16) initiated Nikephoros I (802–11). By late Amorian regime, established bloody coup Michael II (820–9), had consolidated its position, binding together core group Armenian families through network marriage alliances. Michael’s son heir Theophilos well placed move aggressive policy towards Byzantium’s great eastern adversary, Islamic imperial Middle Ages. Juan Signes Codoñer, joint editor with Featherstone forthcoming critical edition Theophanes Continuatus, Books I–IV, has written what is, effect, massive commentary Book III, which covers Theophilos’ reign (829–42). His prosopographical analysis base regime builds recent, meticulous study Christian Settipani Caucasian element governing elite sixth ninth centuries. He refrains delving into intricacies second phase Iconoclasm, partly sensible grounds that we cannot know personal beliefs emperors or how strongly these held. is surely right suggest whatever moves they made largely dictated religious pressures at time. principal concern foreign relations most active arena diplomacy conflict time, East lands north south Caucasus. much original offer careful reader text Continuatus closely associated history Joseph Genesios.
The English Historical Review