History: Byzantium, the Great Age

This course will look at how the Roman Empire survived the greatest doctrinal crisis in iconoclasm, and then in such an atmosphere how the Roman state continued to adapt and evolve into the later 8th century. As part of that evolution, we will go on to examine the later reign of Konstantine and his struggle against the Bulgars as well the other legal reforms he attempted to introduce, with particular reference to the maritime laws and land reforms, comparing the surviving archaeological and literary evidence for the effects of those changes. We will then consider the manner in which Leo IV then attempted to continue and expand upon that imperial legacy, in both religious and strategic goals for the Empire. Finally, we will look at how Empress Eirene was finally placed in such a position as to be able to gain power for herself, though still acting principally as a regent for her own son. Additionally, we will also consider the nature of the major changes within the Islamic world as the Abbasid Caliphate developed and grew, and how that in turn would impact on Roman affairs as well the wider Western world.