Byzantine and Arab History: Further Research and Recommended Readings

Summary

This text provides a comprehensive list of sources and references for further research on various topics related to Byzantine and Arab history. It covers a range of topics such as bureaucracy, public space, the army, councils, iconoclasm, the Balkans, and specific events like the murder of ‘Uthman. The text also recommends important works of historiography on Arab history. Additionally, it provides information on specific sources and topics related to the Byzantine Empire during the period 600-1025.

Bureaucracy, public space, army, councils and iconoclasm in the Byzantine and Arab context
Sources and references on early Islamic history
Recommended works on the Byzantine Empire during the period 600-1025
Analysis of specific emperors like Nikephoros II, Basil II, Leo VI, and Romanos I

Q&A

What are some notable sources and references on the Byzantine Empire?

The recommended readings for the Byzantine Empire during the period 600-1025 include M. Whittow’s The Making of Orthodox Byzantium, J. Shepard’s articles in NCMH, J. F. Haldon’s Byzantium: A History, P. Magdalino’s ‘The Medieval Empire (780 – 1204)’, and G. Ostrogorsky’s History of the Byzantine State. Additionally, sources such as the Book of Ceremonies, Photios and Arethas, imperial books like De Administrando Imperio and the Traité sur la guérilla de l’empereur Nicéphore Phocas, and military handbooks are recommended. These sources provide insight into various aspects of the Byzantine Empire during this period, such as the court, military, and administration.

What are some specific topics covered in the sources related to the Byzantine Empire?

The sources related to the Byzantine Empire cover a variety of topics such as the banning from Hagia Sophia, the Bogomils, the army structure, and the crystallization of the aristocracy. There is also analysis of specific emperors such as Nikephoros II, Basil II, Leo VI, and Romanos I. These sources provide detailed information about political and social history, military campaigns, and cultural developments within the Byzantine Empire during this period.

What topics related to Arab history are covered in the sources mentioned in the text?

The sources and references provided in the text cover various aspects of Islamic history, including Muhammad and the Constitution of Medina, the Qur’an and Dome of the Rock texts, early Islamic conquests, land ownership and taxation, the Mansur family, the role of mawla, conversion to Islam, early Islamic Syria and Palestine, the Qays-Yaman factions, buildings and representation of humans, ethnic attitudes, Al-Farazdaq, and Hisham. These topics provide insight into the political, social, and cultural developments within the Islamic world during this period.

What are some notable works of historiography on Arab history?

The text recommends a number of works of historiography on Arab history, such as A. L. Tibawi’s Islamic Studies: A Bibliography, J. Wansbrough’s Quranic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation, M. G. S. Hodgson’s The Venture of Islam, and M. Bonner’s Aristocratic Violence and Holy War: Studies in the Jihad and the Arab-Byzantine Frontier. These works provide detailed historical analysis and interpretation of various aspects of Islamic history, such as the early Islamic conquests, religious and cultural developments, and social and political movements.

What are the limitations to the sources and references provided in the text?

One limitation of the sources and references provided in the text is that they do not provide a comprehensive account of the late ninth and tenth centuries. Additionally, while the recommended readings cover a broad range of topics related to Byzantine and Arab history, they may not cover every specific aspect of these histories. It is important to consider multiple sources and references when conducting research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these histories.

Conclusion

This text provides a wealth of sources and references for further research on Byzantine and Arab history. It covers a range of topics and recommends important works of historiography on both subjects. While the sources and references may have limitations, they provide a solid foundation for further research and analysis of these histories. It is important to consider multiple sources when conducting research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these complex histories.