Byzantine Naval Forces 1261–1461

The Roman Empire's Last Marines

Byzantine Naval Forces 1261–1461 cover

Description

After the recapture of Constantinople, Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos was determined to bring glory back to the Byzantine Empire. To achieve this, he established an Imperial Fleet and raised new regiments of elite marine troops. This work provides a comprehensive, illustrated guide to the unit history and appearance of these men, who were at the cutting edge of the last great height of Byzantine naval power. They won victory after victory in campaigns throughout the 1260s–70s, and though successive periods of decline and partial resurrection followed, these marine units survived until the very last flickers of Byzantine resistance were extinguished. Drawing upon early literary sources, the rich evidence of period illuminated manuscripts, frescoes, and other iconography, Raffaele D'Amato details the lasting legacy of the swansong of Byzantine naval power.

Table of Contents

Introduction /Chronology /The Regiments: the Gazmouloi, the marine Tzakones, and the Proeselentai /Provincial fleets /Fleet of the 'Trebizond empire' /Unit structure and organization, character and social role /Dress, equipment, armour and weapons /Flags and blazons /Ships /Bibliography /Glossary /Plate commentaries /Index

Product details

Published Sep 20 2016
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781472807281
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 48 col
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Series Men-at-Arms
Short code MAA 502
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Raffaele D’Amato

Raffaele D'Amato, PhD, is the author of some 40 bo…

Illustrator

Igor Dzis

Illustrator

Peter Dennis

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazine…

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