07-08-2009, 11:27 PM
Quite so. But even after that and the rise of Islam, the Empire managed to get back on its feet (despite a myriad of rebellions), reform the military, defeat both Russians and Bulgars, reconquer Anatolia and push into Syria. The Empire really had a chance at becoming a great empire again during the early 10th century. Italy was still held on to, plans were made to reconquer Sicily and Palestine.
But then there was a period of 'mismanaged peace', as Treadgold puts it, in which the military was neglected. And then there was the Seljuq Turks, made possible by envy and rebellion, and the whole thing came down like a house of cards after Manzikirt in 1072.
But then there was a period of 'mismanaged peace', as Treadgold puts it, in which the military was neglected. And then there was the Seljuq Turks, made possible by envy and rebellion, and the whole thing came down like a house of cards after Manzikirt in 1072.
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
