DUMBARTON OAKS STUDIES
Cover: Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth: Byzantine Warfare in the Tenth Century, from Harvard University PressCover: Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth in PAPERBACK

Dumbarton Oaks Studies 33

Sowing the Dragon’s Teeth

Byzantine Warfare in the Tenth Century

Product Details

PAPERBACK

$29.95 • £26.95 • €27.95

ISBN 9780884022244

Publication Date: 11/30/2008

Text

405 pages

6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches

33 black and white illustrations

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection > Dumbarton Oaks Studies

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The military achievements of the emperors Nikephoros Phokas, John Tzimiskes, and Basil II brought the Byzantine Empire to the height of its power by the early eleventh century. This volume presents new editions and translations of two military treatises—the Praecepta militaria of Nikephoros Phokas and the revised version included in the Taktika of Nikephoros Ouranos—outlining the tactical system used by Byzantine armies in campaigns against Muslim forces in Cilicia and Syria. Products of experienced soldiers, the texts offer a realistic view of Byzantine warfare and reveal the sophistication of Byzantine military science. Eric McGeer places the treatises in military historical context; explores the factors that led the Byzantine army to fight as it did; and investigates morale, discipline, and leadership—all of which determined the difference between failure and success.

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