The Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire had to fight for survival throughout its long history so military ability was a prime requisite for a successful Emperor. John Carr concentrates on the personal and military histories of the more capable war fighters to occupy the imperial throne at Constantinople. They include men like it's founder Constantine I , Julian, Theodosius, Justinian, Heraclius, Leo I, Leo III, Basil I, Basil II (the Bulgar-slayer), Romanus IV Diogenes, Isaac Angelus, and Constantine XI. Byzantium's warrior emperors, and the military establishment they created and maintained, can be credited with preserving Rome's cultural legacy and, from the seventh century, forming a bulwark of Christendom against aggressive Islamic expansion. SELLING POINTS: . Assesses the contribution of those Emperors whose military leadership determined the survival of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire for a thousand years after the fall of Rome. . Shows how Byzantines adapted traditional Roman discipline and training to changing modes of warfare and new enemies. . Concise biographies full of human interest: heroism, tragedy, brutality and an epic struggle for survival. . Shows how the defence of Christendom rested upon the military might of the Emperors in Constantinople. . Written in a very accessible style. 8 pages of plates