The De Thematibus ('on the themes') of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus: Translated with introductory chapters and notes

The 10th-century treatise on the military provinces (themes) of the medieval East Roman (Byzantine) empire is a mysterious work attributed to Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. It is a mix of historical geography, imperial propaganda, historical information, and legend or myth drawn from ancient, Hellenistic, and Roman sources. This volume aims to rectify this situation with a translation into English, accompanying detailed notes, and three introductory chapters providing context and background to the text, Byzantine ideas about geography, and the debate over the themes themselves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The 10th-century treatise on the military provinces (the 'themes) of the medieval East Roman (Byzantine) empire is one of the most enigmatic of the works ascribed to the emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. A mix of historical geography, imperial propaganda, historical information, and legend or myth drawn from ancient, Hellenistic, as well as Roman and late Roman sources, it was one of the emperor's earliest works, although the extent to which he was its author remains debated. Its purpose, and the emperor's aims in commissioning or writing it, are equally unclear, since it offers neither an accurate historical account of the evolution of the themes nor does it appear to draw on available administrative material that would have been available to its writer. It has remained until now untranslated into English and thus inaccessible to many, in particular to students at all levels, both within and outside the field of Byzantine Studies, as well as non-specialist readers.

This volume is intended to rectify this situation with a translation into English, accompanying detailed notes, and three introductory chapters providing context and background to the history of the text, Byzantine ideas about geography, and the debate over the themes themselves.

The treatise is divided into four main sections: the first deals with the geographical and administrative divisions of the empire; the second with the military organization and tactics of the themes; the third with the history and culture of the themes; and the fourth with the political and social conditions of the themes. Each section is further divided into chapters, which provide a detailed account of the various topics covered.

The first section of the treatise provides a detailed account of the geographical and administrative divisions of the empire. The empire was divided into a number of provinces, each of which was governed by a governor appointed by the emperor. The provinces were further divided into districts, which were again governed by governors. The treatise also provides a detailed account of the administrative structures of the empire, including the courts.

The second section of the treatise provides a detailed account of the military organization and tactics of the themes. The themes were divided into a number of units, each of which was commanded by a general. The units were further divided into battalions, which were again commanded by generals. The treatise also provides a detailed account of the training and discipline of the troops, as well as the weapons and equipment used.

The third section of the treatise provides a detailed account of the history and culture of the themes. The themes were located in a number of different regions, each of which had its own unique culture and history. The treatise provides a detailed account of the various languages and dialects spoken in the themes, as well as the various religions practiced. The treatise also provides a detailed account of the various customs and traditions of the themes, including their music, art, and literature.

The fourth section of the treatise provides a detailed account of the political and social conditions of the themes. The themes were ruled by a number of different kings and queens, each of whom had their own unique political and social structures. The treatise provides a detailed account of the various political and social conflicts that occurred in the themes, as well as the various political and social reforms that were implemented.

The treatise is a valuable source of information on the medieval East Roman (Byzantine) empire. It provides a detailed account of the various geographical and administrative divisions of the empire, as well as the military organization and tactics of the themes. It also provides a detailed account of the history and culture of the themes, as well as the political and social conditions of the themes. The treatise is a valuable resource for students of Byzantine Studies, as well as non-specialist readers.

The treatise is a valuable source of information on the medieval East Roman (Byzantine) empire. It provides a detailed account of the various geographical and administrative divisions of the empire, as well as the military organization and tactics of the themes. It also provides a detailed account of the history and culture of the themes, as well as the political and social conditions of the themes. The treatise is a valuable resource for students of Byzantine Studies, as well as non-specialist readers.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 146 x 211 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802078435