by Gabriele Esposito.
Hardback (7.0×10.0 inches). 176 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: Organization, Weapons & Equipment
Subtitle: Armies of the Past
The history of the Byzantine Empire conjures up battles against Eastern horse and a waystation for crusaders on the way to the Middle East.
You also might note wars of reconquest against Germanic tribes mostly in North Africa and Italy, plus Balkan wars against Magyras, Bulgars, Serbians, and Rus. That doesn’t even begin to count the undercurrent of internecine warfare that runs through the centuries as one usurper after another vied to take the throne.
With almost a millennia of warfare, changes occurred in organization, weapons, equipment — all ably explained within these pages. For example, the organization of the military changed as the Empire contracted and barbarian invasions devastated the land. Armor and clothing changed as the years passed. You’ll have to wrap your head around the multitude of Greek names for units and items.
One typo: “Realizing understood that the Crusaders…” (p102) should have “understood” deleted.
Of import, the book contains 90 color photos of re-enactors donning the arms and armor of various Byzantine units. Miniatures painters and modelers will have a field day. Fifteen re-enactor groups contributed to the authenticity of the troops and contact info is in an appendix should you become inspired to join one. It’s quite the effective pairing.
This volume offers another wonderful addition to the series and Byzantine Empire enthusiasts a touchstone reference book.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
