Judith Herrin Books
Judith Herrin is a British historian and archaeologist specializing in Byzantine studies. She has taught at Princeton University and King’s College London, and is known for her accessible works on medieval history, including 'Women in Purple' and 'Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe'.
Known for: Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire
Books by Judith Herrin
Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire
This book offers a vivid and accessible history of the Byzantine Empire, exploring its political, cultural, and religious life from the foundation of Constantinople to its fall in 1453. Judith Herrin presents Byzantium as a dynamic civilization that bridged the ancient and modern worlds, influencing both the Islamic and Western Christian traditions. Through themes such as art, architecture, law, and daily life, Herrin reveals the empire’s surprising vitality and enduring legacy.
Read SummaryKey Insights from Judith Herrin
Foundation of Constantinople
The heart of Byzantium begins with Constantine. When he moved the seat of empire from Rome to the shores of the Bosporus, he was not merely changing geography—he was reshaping civilization. Constantinople was conceived as a city of Christian destiny, a new capital dedicated to the one God who would ...
From Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire
Christianization and Imperial Authority
The Byzantine Empire was the first great experiment in integrating Christianity into the machinery of empire. As I reflect on its early centuries, I see the extraordinary way faith and politics intertwined—sometimes harmoniously, often turbulently. The emperor was not merely a ruler; he was God’s re...
From Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire
About Judith Herrin
Judith Herrin is a British historian and archaeologist specializing in Byzantine studies. She has taught at Princeton University and King’s College London, and is known for her accessible works on medieval history, including 'Women in Purple' and 'Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Judith Herrin is a British historian and archaeologist specializing in Byzantine studies. She has taught at Princeton University and King’s College London, and is known for her accessible works on medieval history, including 'Women in Purple' and 'Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe'.
Read Judith Herrin's books in 15 minutes
Get AI-powered summaries with key insights from 1 book by Judith Herrin.