1908. With maps and illustrations. Pears writes: My object in writing this book is to give an account of the capture of Constantinople and the destruction of the Greek empire. In order to make the story intelligible and to explain its significance I have given a summary of the history of the empire between the Latin conquest in 1204 and the capture of the city in 1453, and have traced the progress during the same period of the race which succeeded in destroying the empire and in replacing the Greeks as possessors of New Rome.

This classic work of history recounts the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Pears draws on a wide range of sources to provide a detailed, engaging narrative of this pivotal period in world history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This classic book tells the dramatic story of the last centuries of the Greek Empire. Beginning with the occupation of Constantinople by Western Crusaders in 1204, the account traces the ebb and flow of Byzantium in its final stages, with disastrous civil wars, dynastic struggles, and the advance of a seemingly unstoppable enemy. The last days of the siege are poignantly recounted, including the death of the last Byzantine emperor, who fought shoulder to shoulder with his people to the very last. This edition, published in 2014, has been extensively edited, updated, and footnoted. While the book still relies heavily on primary and contemporary sources, the languages have been standardized and translations have been provided where necessary. This is the only version of the book currently on the market that is not a photocopy reprint of the 1903 edition. The result is an accessible, easily readable, yet detailed look at late Byzantine history perfect for the modern audience.

The goal of this book is to give a vivid and accurate account of the capture of Constantinople and the destruction of the Greek empire. In order to make the story intelligible and to explain its significance writer has given a summary of the history of the empire between the Latin conquest in 1204 and the capture of the city in 1453, and has traced the progress during the same period of the race which succeeded in destroying the empire and in replacing the Greeks as the possessors of New Rome.

The fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453 marked the end of a thousand years of the Christian Roman Empire. Thereafter, world civilisation began a process of radical change. The West came to identify itself as Europe; the Russians were set on the path of autocracy; the Ottomans were transformed into a world power while the Greeks were left exiles in their own land. The loss of Constantinople created a void. How that void was to be filled is the subject of this book. Michael Angold examines the context of late Byzantine civilisation and the cultural negotiation which allowed the city of Constantinople to survive for so long in the face of Ottoman power. He shows how the devastating impact of its fall lay at the centre of a series of interlocking historical patterns which marked this time of decisive change for the late medieval world. This concise and original study will be essential reading for students and scholars of Byzantine and late medieval history, as well as anyone with an interest in this significant turning point in world history.

The goal of this book is to give a vivid and accurate account of the capture of Constantinople and the destruction of the Greek empire. In order to make the story intelligible and to explain its significance writer has given a summary of the history of the empire between the Latin conquest in 1204 and the capture of the city in 1453, and has traced the progress during the same period of the race which succeeded in destroying the empire and in replacing the Greeks as the possessors of New Rome.

A major study and an essential reference work, this book presents a critical evaluation of the sources on the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. In Part I: The Pen, drawing upon manuscript and printed sources, and looking at the contrasting interpretations in secondary works, the authors reassess the written evidence concerning the event. In Part II, The Sword, the investigation results in new conclusions concerning the layout of the Theodosian Walls, the offensive and defensive strategies of the Byzantines and Turks, including land and sea operations, and an analysis of some of the major engagements.