by Ilkka Syvänne
Barnsley, Eng.: Pen and Sword / Philadelphia: Casemate, 2021. Pp. xxii, 421.
Illus., maps, plans, append., notes, biblio., index. $2.95. ISBN: 1473895286
Roman Military Power in the Age of Justinian
This is the sixth and final volume of Prof. Syvänne’s impressive treatment of Roman military history from the end of the “Crisis of the Third Century” with the accession of Diocletian in A.D. 284 through the death of Justinian, in A.D. 565. , who had extended [East] Roman power over much of the territory in the west – Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Italy, Illyria, and Provence – lost through the disintegration of the Western Empire, an impressive, and somewhat controversial achievement.
The volume covers the final years of the fate of the “Barbarian kingdoms” in the West, particularly Theoderic the Great’s “Romano-Gothic” kingdom, which fell into decay on his death, and the revival of the Eastern Empire the able, if often hard, Emperors Justin I and particularly his nephew and successor Justinian, surname “the Great” (r. 527-565), who “restored” imperial authority over Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Illyria, and southern Spain, a remarkable, and somewhat controversial achievement..
As in the earlier volumes, Syvänne covers trends in military organization, social and religious developments, and economic trends during the period. He throws some light on how often overlooked events, such as the largely forgotten Lazic War of A.D. 549–557, could help multiply the problems of empire, particular toward the end of Justinian’s reign, when the Empire also faced an ecological crisis literally ignored by most historians until Kyle Harper’s recent The Fate of Rome.
As usual, Syvänne gives us a critical look at the sources, and is generally careful to point out contrarian views about some events and persons. The book includes numerous illustrations, some in color, maps, and plans of battles and sieges, to improve the reader’s understanding of the events.
The series Military History of Late Rome gives us a very good picture of the long process that has come to be known as the “Fall of Rome”. This is an invaluable read for anyone with an interest in Late Antiquity.
Other Volumes in the Series:
Military History of Late Rome, 284-361
Military History of Late Rome, 361-395
Military History of Late Rome,395-425
Military History of Late Rome, 425-457
Military History of Late Rome, 457–518
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