tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722091524946525835.post5615816464512554553..comments2023-11-05T03:15:46.131-08:00Comments on Antipodes: The social, economic and political basis of Greek Neo-Ottomanism Part 4Antipodeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898520663884916373noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722091524946525835.post-91653309223143456232009-07-05T15:44:48.421-07:002009-07-05T15:44:48.421-07:00I have not read Otrogorsky or Vasiliev for years a...I have not read Otrogorsky or Vasiliev for years and do not have copies at home so I cannnot remember either. <br /><br />The following article by Angold provides an interesting survey on the historical sources on the disintegration of the Empire before 1204. <br /><br />http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VC1-3WM5DWF-7&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=948551173&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=467671fd5e238666f30be3bd8537c9e6<br /><br />Ofcourse, you are referrging to an earlier period before Manzikert.Antipodeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02898520663884916373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722091524946525835.post-55269950692750978272009-07-04T12:36:38.296-07:002009-07-04T12:36:38.296-07:00I have not read any English or Greek translations ...I have not read any English or Greek translations of what the Russian historians believed. I do know that Treadgold is in agreement with Norwich, and I firmly concur. Unfortunately, the reign of Isaac I Comnenus was very short, and his replacement by the buffoonish Constantine X Ducas---instead of a qualified general like himself---sealed the Empire's rapid decline. (No army, no defense.) We have the treacherous Psellus to thank for Ducas.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08068077941877080797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722091524946525835.post-57703166599955714852009-07-02T21:36:32.015-07:002009-07-02T21:36:32.015-07:00Of course, you are right about Byzantine Italy - a...Of course, you are right about Byzantine Italy - a very important part of the Empire. I have also wondered about George Maniakes. He probably would have made a great emperor. Its a pity how he died. <br /><br />I do not believe the appearance of the Seljuks was that significant. If Romania was being administered effectively they would have been dealt with like we did away with other central Asian barbarian hordes like the Avars and Penchenegs. <br /><br />Treadgold is adamant the the rot had set in shortly after Basil II. Madagliano differs markedly and believes the rot set in right after Manuel Komnenos - almost two hundred years later. I cannot remember what the Russian historians believed? Do you? I tend to trust their scholarship more than Western educated historians.Antipodeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02898520663884916373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722091524946525835.post-88023195522657200432009-07-02T18:15:29.050-07:002009-07-02T18:15:29.050-07:00Hi, A.
I am thinking of the loss of Byzantine Ita...Hi, A.<br /><br />I am thinking of the loss of Byzantine Italy, the insurgence of the (Seljuk) Turks, and the Schism---all within 50 years since the death of Basil II. <br /><br />It kind of makes you wonder what could have been if George Maniakes had not died.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08068077941877080797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722091524946525835.post-89125992781367793442009-07-01T15:20:42.150-07:002009-07-01T15:20:42.150-07:00Basil II not producing a heir is one of the most c...Basil II not producing a heir is one of the most confounding mysteries of history. But I do not believe it was all downhill after his reign. The immediate period after Basil II can probably be characterised as a period of stagnation rather than decline; however, the relative ascent of certain Anatolian artistocratic families relative to other segments of society(sound familiar???) contributed to the betrayal of Doukas at Manzikert. <br /><br />The Komnenian period; particularly after the initial renewal of Alexios and before the Frankish tendencies and mistakes of Manuel at Myriokephalon, was certainly a period of growth. John Komnenos was an astounding figure of history. A wise, kind man but efficient in administration and war.Antipodeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02898520663884916373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8722091524946525835.post-84962028663023516222009-07-01T09:06:11.501-07:002009-07-01T09:06:11.501-07:00It's astonishing when you think about it; how ...It's astonishing when you think about it; how a meticulous, farsighted, selfishless man like Basil II---super courageous and merciless in war, savvy and considerate in peace---did not produce or groom an heir. Upon his death it was all downhill for the Empire.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08068077941877080797noreply@blogger.com