Review: Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Title: Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End
Author: Hourly History
Publication: January 2nd 2018
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 3/5

Byzantine Empire
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According to history books, the Roman Empire ended in 476 CE with the fall of Rome. But if you asked most people alive at that time, they would have pointed you to what they considered the continuation of the Roman Empire—the civilization we now call the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines, however, were more than just a remnant of Roman glory. At its geographical peak, the Byzantine Empire stretched out across the Mediterranean world. Culturally, the Byzantines both preserved the knowledge of the classical world, much of which was lost in the West, and added to it.

Inside you will read about...
✓ A Divided Empire
✓ The Fall of the West
✓ Rising to Glory
✓ An Age of War
✓ The Destruction of Icons
✓ The House of Macedon
✓ The Comnenian Revival
✓ The Final Decline
And much more!

Shaped by its classical roots, its Christian religion, and the changing medieval world, the story of the Byzantine Empire is one of both glorious victories and terrible defeats, of a civilization that rose from the brink of destruction again and again, and of the development of a culture whose vestiges remain today.

This book was a good introduction to those who are interested in learning more about the Byzantine Empire. It wasn't my favorite Hourly History book out of all I have read so far but I liked it for sure and it really was fascinated. All the emperors and their names made my eyes cross a little, though. It could get a little bit confusing unless you're really focused on the book.

The book covers the rise of the Byzantine Empire, wars, the house of Macedon and the final decline among others so there were lots of new things for me to learn, which I thought was great. The one thing that stood out to me were how  the Byzantine Empire basically just kept coming back for more even when they seemed to be on the brink of destruction. Can't help but admire that in a way.

Overall, Byzantine Empire: A History From Beginning to End by Hourly History was a candid and quick read, spotlighting the Byzantines. They certainly were a fascinating bunch and I'd just love to see more books set during those times, whether it's ficion or nonficion. So recommendations are always much appreciated. 

Check out my other Hourly History reviews:

The Black Death: A History From Beginning To End

Mayan Civilization: A History From Beginning To End

Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning To End

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning To End

Napoleon: A Life From Beginning To End

Titanic: The Story of the Unsinkable Ship

Caligula: A Life From Beginning To End

King Arthur: A Life From Beginning To End

More Hourly History reviews to come soon!

Question:
Which Hourly History review should I post next?

Galileo: A Life From Beginning To End

or

Spartacus: A Life From Beginning To End