The book by the famous Serbian Byzantine scholar of Russian origin Georgiy Aleksandrovich Ostrogorsky (1902-1976), dedicated to the history of the Byzantine state, is recognized as one of the best general essays in world Byzantine studies and can rightfully be considered a classic reference work on the history of Byzantium. The Russian translation is accompanied by a biography of the author, as well as a bibliographical addition. The book is equipped with indexes, tables and maps. For historians, political scientists, students and all lovers of Byzantine history.

Contents: Preface to the Russian edition

Georgy Aleksandrovich Ostrogorsky (1902–1976)List of works G. A. Ostrogorsky Preface by V. Otto to the second edition From the author's preface to the first edition Author's preface to the second edition Author's preface to the third publication

Introduction. Development of the science of the history of Byzantium

Main features of the development of the Early Byzantine state (324–610)SourcesChristianized Roman EmpireEra of migrations and Christological disputesRestoration policy of Justinian and its collapse

Struggle for survival and renewal of the Byzantine state ( 610–711) SourcesWars with the Persians and Avars. Heraclius's reformsThe time of the Arab invasion: the last years of Heraclius; Constant IISalvation of Constantinople and strengthening of the new system: Constantine IV and Justinian IIDecline of the dynasty of Heraclius

The era of the iconoclastic crisis (711–843)SourcesLeapfrog on the throneIconoclasm and wars with the Arabs: Leo IIIIconoclasm and wars with the Bulgarians: ConstantineDecline of iconoclasm and the restoration of icon venerationByzantium and Karl The GreatReforms of Nikephoros I and foreign policy dangers: Byzantium and KrumIconoclastic reaction

The rise of the Byzantine Empire (843–1025)SourcesAt the dawn of a new eraThe era of codification of law: Basil I and Leo VIByzantium and Simeon of BulgariaThe struggle of the central government against the power of the feudal lords. Cultural flourishing at the Byzantine imperial court. Roman Lecapinus and Constantine PorphyrogenitusThe Age of Conquest: Nikephoros Phocas and John TzimiskesThe Highest Point of Byzantine Power: Basil II

The Reign of the Capital's Official Aristocracy (1025–1081)SourcesThe Collapse of the Middle Byzantine State SystemThe Collapse of Domestic and Foreign Policy

The Reign military aristocracy (1081–1204)SourcesRestoration of the Byzantine Empire under Alexios I KomnenosNew rise of Byzantine power and first defeats: John II and Manuel IAttempt at reaction under Andronikos Comnenus Catastrophe

Latin domination and restoration of the Byzantine Empire (1204–1261)SourcesThe emergence of a new system of statesThe rise and fall of Epirus. Victory of NicaeaOn the eve of restorationRestoration of the Byzantine great power: Michael VIII

Decline and collapse of the Byzantine Empire (1282–1453)SourcesByzantium as a minor state: Andronikos IIEra of civil wars. Serbian domination in the BalkansOttoman conquest of the Balkan Peninsula. Byzantium as a state dependent on the Turks

Bibliographical Appendix

Genealogical tables and lists of rulers

Index

List of abbreviations, often cited works and periodicals