Strategoí: early Byzantine military commanders in the times of Zeno and Anastasius (474–518) / Mirosław J. Leszka, Szymon Wierzbiński

The presented book focuses on the commanders of the early Byzantine army during the reign of Emperors Zeno and Anastasius I. The publication is divided into five main parts. The first part presents the Byzantine army, the command of which was the basis for the position of the commanding staff in society. The second part was devoted to the policies of Zeno and Anastasius I regarding the appointment to the highest positions in the Byzantine army, that is, the magistri militum in praesenti, per Orientem, per Illyricum and per Thracias. In the third, the main opponents of the Byzantine troops and of their commanders were characterised, in general terms (the Ostrogoths, Persians and Bulgars). The fourth part traces the activity of military elites during important political events, such as usurpations and military rebellions. The fifth and final part was devoted to ten select­ed as examples representatives of the military elites of the era of Zeno and Anastasius I.

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I have no doubt that the reviewed book will be wormly received in the international Byzantine community.

From the review of prof. Ireneusz Milewski University of Gdańsk

The authors of the publication managed to combine the scientific nature of the argument with an interesting style. The argument is logical, and the theses are complete and consistent with the state of research.

From the review of prof. Szymon Olszaniec Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Introduction Mirosław J. Leszka 7

Chapter I

Army Szymon Wierzbiński 13

Chapter II

The appointment of magistri militum in the times of Zeno and Anastasius Mirosław J. Leszka , Szymon Wierzbiński 39

Chapter III

Byzantine commanders in the conflicts with the enemies of the empire Szymon Wierzbiński 61

1. Ostrogoths in the time of Zeno 63
2. War with Persia, 502–506 78
3. The Bulgars 102

Chapter IV

Participation of military elites in usurpations and rebellions Mirosław J. Leszka , Szymon Wierzbiński 105

1. Usurpation of Basiliscus, 475–476 Mirosław J. Leszka 107
2. Marcian’s usurpation (479) Mirosław J. Leszka 118
3. Usurpation of Illus and Leontius, 484–488 Mirosław J. Leszka 128
4. The Isaurian Uprising of 492–498 Mirosław J. Leszka 138
5. Vitalian’s Rebellion, 513 (514)–515 Szymon Wierzbiński 143

Chapter V

Commanders from the times of Zeno and Anastasius (selected examples) Mirosław J. Leszka , Szymon Wierzbiński 151

1. Areobindus Mirosław J. Leszka 153
2. Armatus Mirosław J. Leszka 162
3. Hypatius Szymon Wierzbiński 174
4. Illus Mirosław J. Leszka 182
5. John the Scythian Mirosław J. Leszka 197
6. Leontius Mirosław J. Leszka 207
7. Patricius Mirosław J. Leszka 219
8. Pharesmanes Mirosław J. Leszka 234
9. Sabinianus the Great Mirosław J. Leszka 243
10. Trocundes Mirosław J. Leszka 248

List of Abbreviations 257

Bibliography 259

Index of People 279

Index of Ethnic and Geographic Names 285

Abstract 289