The classic work "Byzantine Civilization" (1933) by Steven Runciman, one of the most important Byzantinologists of the 20th century, is a comprehensive yet concise overview of Byzantine History, from the founding of Constantinople in the 4th century to its conquest by the Ottomans in 1453.

For centuries, historians of the West regarded Byzantine culture as inferior to ancient Greek and Roman cultures, as well as to later cultures of Western Europe. Steven Runciman was one of the first to challenge this view, highlighting not only the unique character of the Byzantine Empire but also its achievements in various fields.

In this book, with depth and critical spirit, the author explores topics such as the state structure and administration in Byzantium, the role of religion and the Church, the military and diplomacy, economic and social life, education, literature and the fine arts, the relations of the Byzantine Empire with other peoples as well as with Islam and the West.

"The purpose of this book is to provide a general picture of the culture of the Roman Empire during the period when its capital was Constantinople. In other words, of that Hellenistic-Roman culture which is better known as Byzantine. It is an extremely long period, approximately eleven centuries, during which there were many changes and transformations. However, I have tried to focus on the elements that characterized the Byzantine Empire throughout its long duration."

From the author's preface

It is curious that most serious historians now decide to focus on relatively short periods and perhaps limited geographical areas. But is this right for history? Each historical period depends on what happened before it, and its significance depends on the events that follow. History is not a series of stagnant pools. It is a flowing river.

Steven Runciman