Lack of information on the Byzantine Empire?

Question

Why though it is often referenced in literature and history is the Byzantine Empire so little described? I mean it came after Rome, there is plenty of record of it, yes?

You hear so much about Bynzantium and Byzantine Politics, yet there are VERY few books outside of stale plain history books on their politics, political positions, fashions, palaces (I only found 1 3D representation of the famous Byzantine Great Palace of Constantinople which served as the seat of the Byzantine Emperors for 800 years.

On the other hand you have a plethora of graphical books, novels, illustrations, and everything on all levels from preschool to academic history on Rome, Roman life, Roman fashion, Roman architecture. I know it influenced the West but is there nothing but academic history books on Byzantium?

What about illustrations of their architecture, blueprints of their palaces? Documenting their way of life? Anyone know any resources?

Answer 1

This is purely because the Byzantine Empire only had a small effect on the development of western (i.e. wester Europe and USA) culture - in the same way, we are never taught much about the hugely important and diverse cultures of China and India, for instance.

I come from Greece and the Byzantine influence is still very much felt over there, and we are taught about it during our schooling as well.

My favourite books about Byzantium are those written by John Julius Norwich (see links below) which are very educational and informative, without being as dry as dust.

Answer 2

Little has changed today. Wealth in the hands of the few, political corruption and a false sense of Patriotism. The Roman Empire took 700 years to totally collapse. It was due to many factors, lead lined water pipes and lead cups and goblets. This was detrimental to the health and the lead poisoned their systems, and brains. The belief that the Emperors were demi Gods, and inbreeding was another factor. As the Emperors lived more and more lavish life styles and spent more on conquoring foreign lands the wealth dwindled, so they did what they do today (nothing changes) they taxed the people even more. When the people began to rebel against this, the Emperor of the day, gave orders for more circuses (entertainment, as they are doing today) and the saying was "Give them bread and circuses" this was to distract the people from the real problem. (this is also happening today) The Roman Empire is still with us, but in a more covert way. Complete dominance and the great division between the wealthy and the poor will never work, because when people are starving and they have nothing left to lose this creates anarchy. Great Empires always fall, they become so corrupt they crumble. it takes time though, but it does happen. The people of the USA are not yet hurting enough, and the circuses are clouding their minds, but when their minds clear and the entertainment has become boring, they will see what they have allowed the wealthy ruling class (the Emperors) to do, and then there will be anarchy. The USA will also crumble, it has begun already. So you see history repeats and repeats itself. People are beginning to see through the farce of "Patriotism", this is a clever way of making sure the people "Serve their country" (in other words their masters, the modern day "Emperors") and they do this to the detriment of their own families. Out of stupid patriotism, comes young men and women going off to fight a war and die in, that their masters have started (but don't send their own sons and daughters to) and they don't realise they are only fighting for the wealthy to get wealthier, all wars are always begun by the governments of the day, never by the people, and they are all based on lies. War makes wealth for a certain few. The Roman Empire was just the same. The people woke up eventually and realised that Patriotism was a scam. Thus began the fall of the Roman Empire. There is a lot more but not enough space to write about here. Angel

Answer 3

It is not fashionable nowadays to present such "touchy" subjects- like the fact that all Turkey and the middle east used to be christian lands for centuries before the muslim invasions.
Also bear in mind that Byzantium was in opposition to Rome in church affairs- Rome influenced the western Europe, while Byzantine influence went towards Ukraine, Russia and Greece.
After the collapse of the (western) Roman empire, Byzantium had almost no influence on these territories, so in consequence it has little place in their history books.

OTOH you are right. It is strange we learn more about Egypt and the Pharaohs than about Byzantium.

Answer 4

Westerners don't feel a connection to The Byzantine Empire, imaging some strange Asiatic-Turkinsh Middle-Eastern creature which is ignorance & racism but that is how it is - - - and the current occupants of Istanbul feel no connection to an emptre they destroyed. It is sad, but there are several good books out there, but yes not as many as there are about Rome.
What it will take is for a clever writer such as yourself to craft a work of historical fiction that will generate lasting iinterest in The Byzantine Empire. Actually though as a Pagan Jew perhaps I should not suggest this but the story of Constantine is a surefire success for Chrstians, maybe Mel Gibson could redeem himself with a rousing portrayal of Constantine.

Peace....

Answer 5

Perhaps Bearsstirring should stick to the answer and not use this as a forum to rail against Mel Gibson. Gibson got a raw deal from a sheriff's deputy who should have kept his mouth shut (he later was fired by the sheriff)
The Byzintine is one of the longest lasting empires in history, enduring from the fifth century until destroyed by the Ottoman Turks around the 1600s.
I wonder if the US will last so long.

Answer 6

hm...bit tricky..
1.i suppose you r from usa...so u will know that they(U.S.A.) wanted to pe perceived as another Rome(besides Constantinople beings nnd Moskow 3rd)-Capitol Hill in D.C. would be suggestive ...and still the history of rome being well-known through-out usa and so on
2.Byzantium was orthodox so the rivalry made that he would be seen almost pagan in westerners..
3.the orthodox people from around Constantinople/Istanbul are not so well organized/developed as the western are so u would only have some maps/pictures
4.here intervines the Great Mosque of Istanbul...so the orthodox places were kinda "forgotten" in national or regional states with majority of muslims

Answer 7

I love studying about the Byzantines, they're my favorite empire.
I found this documentary interesting,

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+byzantine+empire&search=Search

Answer 8

Good TV documentary I saw several years ago now available on tape. You could probably rent it somewhere.
http://www.amazon.com/Byzantium-Empire-John-Romer-III/dp/B00004REVW