Byzantium and the Turks in the Thirteenth Century
Dimitri Korobeinikov
Abstract
This book looks at the relations between Byzantium and its eastern neighbours in the thirteenth century. The main conclusion is that the Nicaean Empire (1204-61) was much stronger and much more the heir of the twelfth-century Empire than has generally been appreciated. Furthermore, it was recognized as such by its eastern neighbours throughout the period. The Nicaean Empire gained dominant influence over the Seljukid Sultanate of Rūm in the 1250s. The appearance of the Mongols added a complicating factor, which the Byzantines at first managed effectively. However, in the last quarter of the ce ... More
This book looks at the relations between Byzantium and its eastern neighbours in the thirteenth century. The main conclusion is that the Nicaean Empire (1204-61) was much stronger and much more the heir of the twelfth-century Empire than has generally been appreciated. Furthermore, it was recognized as such by its eastern neighbours throughout the period. The Nicaean Empire gained dominant influence over the Seljukid Sultanate of Rūm in the 1250s. The appearance of the Mongols added a complicating factor, which the Byzantines at first managed effectively. However, in the last quarter of the century the continued decline of Seljuk power, the continuing migration of Turks from the east, and what effectively amounted to a lack of Mongol interest in western Anatolia allowed the creation of powerful Turkish nomadic confederations in the frontier regions facing Byzantium. By 1304 the nomadic Turks had broken Byzantium’s eastern defences. The Empire lost its Asian territories forever; and Constantinople became the most eastern outpost of Byzantium. The thirteenth century is a period of consistent success for Byzantine diplomacy towards the Seljuks and the Mongols. However, successful relations with the great powers of the age were not ultimately a key factor for the successful defence of Byzantine Asia Minor.
Keywords:
Byzantium,
Nicaean Empire,
Asia Minor,
thirteenth century,
Seljukid Sultanate of Rūm,
Mongols,
Turks
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2014 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780198708261 |
| Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: October 2014 |
DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198708261.001.0001 |
Authors
Affiliations are at time of print publication.
Dimitri Korobeinikov, author
Assistant Professor, University at Albany, State University of New York
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