A Critical Commentary on "The Taktika of Leo VI" (Dumbarton Oaks Texts): 44 (Dumbarton Oaks Studies) - Softcover

John Haldon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0884023915 ISBN 13: 9780884023913

Publisher: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & Collection, 2014

Synopsis

The Taktika, ascribed to the hand of the Byzantine emperor Leo VI "the Wise" (886-912), is perhaps one of the best-known middle Byzantine texts of an official or semi-official genre. Presented in the form of a book of guidance for provincial generals, it served as both a statement of imperial authority and power, as well as a reminder of earlier "good practice" and the centrality of the values of a Christian society in the struggle against its enemies. In particular, the Taktika identified Islam, for the first time, as a fundamental threat to the very existence of the Christian Roman Empire and Christianity itself. Yet despite its significance for the history of Byzantine administration, culture, language, and society, no study has ever been devoted to this fascinating text. John Haldon offers the first critical commentary to appear in any language, addressing in detail the many varied subjects touched on in the treatise itself and accompanied by three introductory chapters that examine the context, sources, language, structure and content of the text, as well as the military administration of the empire in Leo's time.

About this title

Product Description:

Unusual book

About the Author:

John Haldon is Professor of Byzantine History and Hellenic Studies at Princeton University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & Collection
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0884023915
• ISBN 13: 9780884023913
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 528