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Buildings and Landmarks of 20th- and 21st-Century America: American Society Revealed
by Elizabeth B. Greene Edward SaloThis engaging book uses buildings and structures as a lens through which to explore various strands of U.S. social history, revealing the connections between architecture and the cultural, economic, and political events before and during these American landmarks' construction.During the 20th and 21st centuries, the United States became the dominant world power. The tumultuous progression of our nation to global leader can be seen in the social, cultural, and political history of the United States over the last century, and the country's evolution is also reflected in major buildings and landmark sites across the nation. Buildings and Landmarks of 20th- and 21st-Century America: American Society Revealed documents how the construction, design, and function of famous buildings and structures can inform our understanding of societies of the past. Its text and images enable readers to get a deeper understanding of the buildings themselves as well as what happened at each structure's location and how those events fit into our nation's history. Through the study of specific buildings or types of buildings that influenced the cultural, social, and political history of the nation, readers will explore monuments to presidents, learn about how the first tract home neighborhoods came into existence, and marvel at the role of buildings in helping us get to the moon, just to mention a few topics.
Buildings and Landmarks of Medieval Europe: The Middle Ages Revealed
by James B. Tschen-EmmonsThrough the use of images, diagrams, and detailed descriptions, this book enables readers to appreciate how the construction, design, and function of famous structures inform our understanding of societies of the past.Buildings and Landmarks of Medieval Europe: The Middle Ages Revealed makes use of significant buildings as "representative structures" to provide insight into specific cultures, historical periods, or topics of the Middle Ages. The explanations of these buildings' construction, original intended use and change over time, and design elements allow readers to better comprehend what life in European societies of the past was like, covering social, political, economic, and intellectual perspectives.Readers will be able to apply what they learn from the discussions of the structures to improve their understanding of the historical period as well as their skills of observation and assessment needed to analyze these landmark structures and draw meaningful conclusions about their context and significance. The book's supporting features—a chronology, biographical appendix, glossary, and subject index—help researchers in successfully completing their papers or projects.
Buildings and Landmarks of Medieval Europe: The Middle Ages Revealed
by James B. Tschen-EmmonsThrough the use of images, diagrams, and detailed descriptions, this book enables readers to appreciate how the construction, design, and function of famous structures inform our understanding of societies of the past.Buildings and Landmarks of Medieval Europe: The Middle Ages Revealed makes use of significant buildings as "representative structures" to provide insight into specific cultures, historical periods, or topics of the Middle Ages. The explanations of these buildings' construction, original intended use and change over time, and design elements allow readers to better comprehend what life in European societies of the past was like, covering social, political, economic, and intellectual perspectives.Readers will be able to apply what they learn from the discussions of the structures to improve their understanding of the historical period as well as their skills of observation and assessment needed to analyze these landmark structures and draw meaningful conclusions about their context and significance. The book's supporting features—a chronology, biographical appendix, glossary, and subject index—help researchers in successfully completing their papers or projects.
Buildings of Empire
by Ashley JacksonBuildings of Empire takes the reader on an exciting journey through thirteen territories of the British Empire. From Dublin Castle to the glass and steel of Sir Norman Foster's Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank skyscraper, these buildings capture the essence of the imperial experience, painting an intimate portrait of the biggest empire the world has ever seen: the people who made it and the people who resisted it, as well as the legacy of the imperial project throughout the world. Ashley Jackson visits classic examples of the buildings that the British governed from, the forts they (often brutally) imposed their rule from, the railway stations they travelled from, the banks they traded from, the educational establishments they spread their values from, as well as the grand colonial hotels they stayed in, the sporting clubs and botanical gardens where they took their leisure, and the monumental exhibition spaces in which they celebrated the achievements of settlement and imperial endeavour. The history of these buildings does not end with the empire that built them. Their story in the aftermath of empire highlights the continuing legacy of many of the structures and institutions the British left behind, as well as the sometimes unexpected role that these former symbols of alien rule have played in the establishment of new national identities in the years since independence.
The Built Environment through the Prism of the Colonial Periodical Press (Routledge Studies in Cultural History)
by Alice Santiago Faria Anne Shelley Sandra Ataíde LoboThe Built Environment through the Prism of the Colonial Periodical Press is a venture of the International Group for Studies of Colonial Periodical Press of the Portuguese Empire (IGSCP-PE), who are also interested in comparative studies and conceptual discussions. Through a focus on the understudied role of colonial periodicals in the creation and public discussion of colonial built environments, the present book contributes to a cultural history of the idea of built environment. The studies underscore the role of press in articulating environment imaging and transformations with colonial ideologies, projects and policies, and the fixing, othering and disputing of identities, while still retaining the epochal circulation of ideas. This role is evidenced through discussions of forests, clubs, hotels, barracks, hospitals, houses, verandas and gardens, railways, Catholic churches and Hindu "templescapes", restorations and exhibitions. The book also examines a non-canonical variety of periodicals, such as newspapers, bulletins, women’s magazines, and professional journals. Published within the sphere of Portuguese, Belgium, Italian, British formal and informal Empire, the analysis of these periodicals provides a multilingual, plural and complex comprehension of the discursive creation of modern built environments in colonial ambiances. This volume is indispensable for scholars and students interested in Media Studies, Architectural and Engineering studies, Built Environment studies as well as Colonial and Imperial history.
The Built Environment through the Prism of the Colonial Periodical Press (Routledge Studies in Cultural History)
by Alice Santiago Faria Anne Shelley Sandra Ataíde LoboThe Built Environment through the Prism of the Colonial Periodical Press is a venture of the International Group for Studies of Colonial Periodical Press of the Portuguese Empire (IGSCP-PE), who are also interested in comparative studies and conceptual discussions. Through a focus on the understudied role of colonial periodicals in the creation and public discussion of colonial built environments, the present book contributes to a cultural history of the idea of built environment. The studies underscore the role of press in articulating environment imaging and transformations with colonial ideologies, projects and policies, and the fixing, othering and disputing of identities, while still retaining the epochal circulation of ideas. This role is evidenced through discussions of forests, clubs, hotels, barracks, hospitals, houses, verandas and gardens, railways, Catholic churches and Hindu "templescapes", restorations and exhibitions. The book also examines a non-canonical variety of periodicals, such as newspapers, bulletins, women’s magazines, and professional journals. Published within the sphere of Portuguese, Belgium, Italian, British formal and informal Empire, the analysis of these periodicals provides a multilingual, plural and complex comprehension of the discursive creation of modern built environments in colonial ambiances. This volume is indispensable for scholars and students interested in Media Studies, Architectural and Engineering studies, Built Environment studies as well as Colonial and Imperial history.
Built Heritage in post-Disaster Scenarios: Improving Resilience and Awareness Towards Preservation, Risk Mitigation and Governance Strategies
by Marcello BalzaniIt is assumed that the impact of natural and man-made hazards on society in terms of damage cannot be avoided. To reduce potential disaster levels and to assess which policies have had a positive outcome, a careful comparison should take place on the procedures implemented in the management of crises.The experiences with the earthquakes in the Pianura Padana area and central regions of Italy in the last ten years have been incorporated in the 'After the Damages' advanced training project. This project aims to showcase recent innovations and advancements in post-disaster management, so as to take a more proactive role in post-disaster management, and to respond more effectively when disasters occur.This volume provides insights into the dynamics and negative effects of natural and man-made hazards (i.e., earthquakes, fires, floods, droughts, volcanic eruptions, etc.), including more updated approaches to deal with post-disaster phases. The book also offers tools to deal with possible international crisis scenarios and mitigate the social impact of vulnerabilities through risk reduction.Built Heritage in post-Disaster Scenarios aims at public administration managers, government agency representatives, international organizations, researchers, and professionals in architecture, engineering, and earth science.Marcello Balzani, Architect, PhD in "Representation and Survey", Full Professor of Representation at the Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara. President of Clust-ER Building and Construction. He is author of more than 200 publications on the themes of Drawing and Architectural and Urban Surveying, Project Representation, Management and Visualisation.Federica Maietti, Architect, PhD, Associate Professor in the Scientific Sector ICAR/17 at the Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara. Member of the DIAPReM Centre, since 2005 she carries out research activities in the fields of heritage documentation, survey and diagnostic investigations, in different national and international contexts, including Pompeii, Malta, Brazil, India, and Mexico. Scientific Manager of the International Academy "After the Damages", she is involved in several research activities and she is the author of more than two hundred publications in the field of Heritage Documentation, Survey and Representation.Manlio Montuori, Architect, PhD, former assistant professor non-tenured at the University of Ferrara, Department of Architecture, where he is a member of the Labo.R.A. The main field of his research is the conservation of architectural heritage and landscape, with special emphasis on preservation procedures for traditional and industrial built heritage. His research interests also address assessment and management in the context of damage and disaster risk reduction. Scientific Manager of the International Academy "After the Damages", he is involved in several research projects implementing ICT technologies in the conservation and structural health assessment of built and cultural heritage.Fabiana Raco, Architect, PhD RTDa Researcher of Drawing at the Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara. Technical coordinator of TekneHub Laboratory. Author of more than 50 publications on the topics of Drawing, Architectural and Urban Surveying, Representation, Diagnostics, Visualization and Project Management of interventions on built heritage.
Built Heritage in post-Disaster Scenarios: Improving Resilience and Awareness Towards Preservation, Risk Mitigation and Governance Strategies
It is assumed that the impact of natural and man-made hazards on society in terms of damage cannot be avoided. To reduce potential disaster levels and to assess which policies have had a positive outcome, a careful comparison should take place on the procedures implemented in the management of crises.The experiences with the earthquakes in the Pianura Padana area and central regions of Italy in the last ten years have been incorporated in the 'After the Damages' advanced training project. This project aims to showcase recent innovations and advancements in post-disaster management, so as to take a more proactive role in post-disaster management, and to respond more effectively when disasters occur.This volume provides insights into the dynamics and negative effects of natural and man-made hazards (i.e., earthquakes, fires, floods, droughts, volcanic eruptions, etc.), including more updated approaches to deal with post-disaster phases. The book also offers tools to deal with possible international crisis scenarios and mitigate the social impact of vulnerabilities through risk reduction.Built Heritage in post-Disaster Scenarios aims at public administration managers, government agency representatives, international organizations, researchers, and professionals in architecture, engineering, and earth science.Marcello Balzani, Architect, PhD in "Representation and Survey", Full Professor of Representation at the Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara. President of Clust-ER Building and Construction. He is author of more than 200 publications on the themes of Drawing and Architectural and Urban Surveying, Project Representation, Management and Visualisation.Federica Maietti, Architect, PhD, Associate Professor in the Scientific Sector ICAR/17 at the Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara. Member of the DIAPReM Centre, since 2005 she carries out research activities in the fields of heritage documentation, survey and diagnostic investigations, in different national and international contexts, including Pompeii, Malta, Brazil, India, and Mexico. Scientific Manager of the International Academy "After the Damages", she is involved in several research activities and she is the author of more than two hundred publications in the field of Heritage Documentation, Survey and Representation.Manlio Montuori, Architect, PhD, former assistant professor non-tenured at the University of Ferrara, Department of Architecture, where he is a member of the Labo.R.A. The main field of his research is the conservation of architectural heritage and landscape, with special emphasis on preservation procedures for traditional and industrial built heritage. His research interests also address assessment and management in the context of damage and disaster risk reduction. Scientific Manager of the International Academy "After the Damages", he is involved in several research projects implementing ICT technologies in the conservation and structural health assessment of built and cultural heritage.Fabiana Raco, Architect, PhD RTDa Researcher of Drawing at the Department of Architecture, University of Ferrara. Technical coordinator of TekneHub Laboratory. Author of more than 50 publications on the topics of Drawing, Architectural and Urban Surveying, Representation, Diagnostics, Visualization and Project Management of interventions on built heritage.
Built on Bones: 15,000 Years of Urban Life and Death
by Brenna HassettImagine you are a hunter-gatherer some 15,000 years ago. You've got a choice – carry on foraging, or plant a few seeds and move to one of those new-fangled settlements down the valley. What you won't know is that urban life is short and riddled with dozens of new diseases; your children will be shorter and sicklier than you are, they'll be plagued with gum disease, and stand a decent chance of a violent death at the point of a spear.Why would anyone choose this? This is one of the many intriguing questions tackled by Brenna Hassett in Built on Bones. Using research on skeletal remains from around the world, this book explores the history of humanity's experiment with the metropolis, and looks at why our ancestors chose city life, and why they have largely stuck to it. It explains the diseases, the deaths and the many other misadventures that we have unwittingly unleashed upon ourselves throughout the metropolitan past, and as the world becomes increasingly urbanised, what we can look forward to in the future.Telling the tale of shifts in human growth and health that have occurred as we transitioned from a mobile to a largely settled species. Built on Bones offers an accessible insight into a critical but relatively unheralded aspect of the human story: our recent evolution.
The Built Surface: v. 1: Architecture and the Visual Arts from Antiquity to the Enlightenment (Routledge Revivals)
by Christy Anderson Karen KoehlerThis title was first published in 2002: Since antiquity through to the present, architecture and the pictorial arts (paintings, photography, graphic arts) have not been rigidly separated but interrelated - the one informing the other, and establishing patterns of creation and reception. In the Classical tradition the education of the architect and artist has always stressed this relationship between the arts, although modern scholarship has too often treated them as separate disciplines. These volumes explore the history of this exchange between the arts as it emerged from classical theory into artistic and architectural practice. Issues of visual representation, perspective, allegory, site specificity, ornamentation, popular culture, memorials, urban and utopian planning, and the role of treatises, manifestos, and other theoretical writings are addressed, as well as the critical reaction to these products and practices. This title represents a variety of methods, approaches, and diatectical interpretations - cases where architecture informs the themes and physical space of pictures, or pictorial concerns inform the design and construction of the built environment. The exchanges between architecture and pictures explored by these authors are found to be in all cases ideologically potent, and therefore significantly expressive of their respective social, political, and intellectual histories.
The Built Surface: v. 1: Architecture and the Visual Arts from Antiquity to the Enlightenment (Routledge Revivals)
by Christy Anderson Karen KoehlerThis title was first published in 2002: Since antiquity through to the present, architecture and the pictorial arts (paintings, photography, graphic arts) have not been rigidly separated but interrelated - the one informing the other, and establishing patterns of creation and reception. In the Classical tradition the education of the architect and artist has always stressed this relationship between the arts, although modern scholarship has too often treated them as separate disciplines. These volumes explore the history of this exchange between the arts as it emerged from classical theory into artistic and architectural practice. Issues of visual representation, perspective, allegory, site specificity, ornamentation, popular culture, memorials, urban and utopian planning, and the role of treatises, manifestos, and other theoretical writings are addressed, as well as the critical reaction to these products and practices. This title represents a variety of methods, approaches, and diatectical interpretations - cases where architecture informs the themes and physical space of pictures, or pictorial concerns inform the design and construction of the built environment. The exchanges between architecture and pictures explored by these authors are found to be in all cases ideologically potent, and therefore significantly expressive of their respective social, political, and intellectual histories.
Built to Meet Needs: Cultural Issues in Vernacular Architecture
by Paul OliverThe study of vernacular architecture explores the characteristics of domestic buildings in particular regions or localities, and the many social and cultural factors that have contributed to their evolution. In this book, vernacular architecture specialist Paul Oliver brings together a wealth of information that spans over two decades, and the whole globe. Some previously unpublished papers, as well as those only available in hard to find conference proceedings, are brought together in one volume to form a fascinating reference for students and professional architects, as well as all those involved with planning housing schemes in their home countries and overseas.
Built to Meet Needs: Cultural Issues in Vernacular Architecture
by Paul OliverThe study of vernacular architecture explores the characteristics of domestic buildings in particular regions or localities, and the many social and cultural factors that have contributed to their evolution. In this book, vernacular architecture specialist Paul Oliver brings together a wealth of information that spans over two decades, and the whole globe. Some previously unpublished papers, as well as those only available in hard to find conference proceedings, are brought together in one volume to form a fascinating reference for students and professional architects, as well as all those involved with planning housing schemes in their home countries and overseas.
Built Up: An Historical Perspective on the Contemporary Principles and Practices of Real Estate Development
by Patrice DerringtonBuilt Up uncovers the roots of the global real estate industry in the machinations of a patron of Shakespeare, the merged lineages of business savvy women and men, startlingly innovative collaborations with the first English architect, and the radical explorations of other denizens of early modern London – and what those colorful origins mean for the practice of property development today. Uniting insights from the author’s career as an internationally recognized developer with meticulous archival research, this resource for scholars and professionals synthesizes economic history and the latest planning and finance literature. The result is an unprecedented effort to codify the principles and activities of real estate development as a foundation for future academic research and practical innovation. By tracing the evolution of property development to its earliest days, Built Up establishes the theoretical groundwork for the next phase in the transformation of the urban environment.
Built Up: An Historical Perspective on the Contemporary Principles and Practices of Real Estate Development
by Patrice DerringtonBuilt Up uncovers the roots of the global real estate industry in the machinations of a patron of Shakespeare, the merged lineages of business savvy women and men, startlingly innovative collaborations with the first English architect, and the radical explorations of other denizens of early modern London – and what those colorful origins mean for the practice of property development today. Uniting insights from the author’s career as an internationally recognized developer with meticulous archival research, this resource for scholars and professionals synthesizes economic history and the latest planning and finance literature. The result is an unprecedented effort to codify the principles and activities of real estate development as a foundation for future academic research and practical innovation. By tracing the evolution of property development to its earliest days, Built Up establishes the theoretical groundwork for the next phase in the transformation of the urban environment.
The Bukharans: A Dynastic, Diplomatic and Commercial History 1550-1702
by Audrey BurtonThis is an in-depth study of the people of Bukhara and their relations with settled peoples and nomads, from Muscovy to China, and Iran to India. By using lesserknown, or hitherto untapped sources, it corrects long-held misapprehensions fostered by historians of hostile states and champions of the Timurid dynasty. Far from being afraid of their powerful Safawid and Mughal counterparts, the Uzbeg rulers of Bukhara caused them much apprehension and even influenced their foreign policies. 'Abbas I concluded a humiliating peace with Turkey because he wanted to recover Khurasan from 'Abdallah II, Akbar could not risk leaving Punjab during 'Abdallah's reign, Safawid and Mughal attempts at conquering the khanate failed dismally. The book deals fully with dynastic, internal and external problems, trade routes, coinage policies and the khans' attempts to encourage trade.
The Bukharans: A Dynastic, Diplomatic and Commercial History 1550-1702
by Audrey BurtonThis is an in-depth study of the people of Bukhara and their relations with settled peoples and nomads, from Muscovy to China, and Iran to India. By using lesserknown, or hitherto untapped sources, it corrects long-held misapprehensions fostered by historians of hostile states and champions of the Timurid dynasty. Far from being afraid of their powerful Safawid and Mughal counterparts, the Uzbeg rulers of Bukhara caused them much apprehension and even influenced their foreign policies. 'Abbas I concluded a humiliating peace with Turkey because he wanted to recover Khurasan from 'Abdallah II, Akbar could not risk leaving Punjab during 'Abdallah's reign, Safawid and Mughal attempts at conquering the khanate failed dismally. The book deals fully with dynastic, internal and external problems, trade routes, coinage policies and the khans' attempts to encourage trade.
Bulelani Ngcuka: The Sting in the Tale
by Marion Sparg“Highly relevant today as prosecutors deal with the aftermath of State Capture. Fascinating from the first page to the last.” - Albie Sachs, Former Justice, Constitutional CourtCourageous, yet contested, Bulelani Ngcuka has always stood up for what he believes in. His decision in 2003 as National Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute then deputy president, Jacob Zuma, is a decision he still stands by to this day.In this sweeping biography, based on many hours of interviews with Ngcuka, author Marion Sparg uncovers the roots of his fearless activism and tells his side of the story. She goes back in time to his modest beginnings in the Eastern Cape, to his lawyering years with the formidable Griffiths Mxenge, his various periods of detention, exile, and his homecoming.Ngcuka played a critical role in establishing the National Prosecuting Authority, the elite crime-busting unit the Scorpions, and other mechanisms to tackle the country’s crime and corruption problems. Soon he faced one of his most difficult tasks – confronting former comrades who had become involved in illegal activities.The Sting in the Tale is a first-hand account of our most recent legal and political history. It is also an intriguing story about political manoeuvrings, bombings and hijackings, urban-terror and “whispering” campaigns, lies, murder, alleged spies, intrigue, family, and love.
Bulgaria: The Uneven Transition (Postcommunist States and Nations)
by Vesselin DimitrovThe communist regime in Bulgaria was perhaps the most stable in Eastern Europe and its demise was brought about only by the general collapse of the Soviet bloc. In the light of this, what is surprising about the country's transitions to democracy and a market economy is not that it has been uneven but that it has proceeded without fundamental disruptions and is now showing some signs of consolidation. The two-party system that emerged from the round-table negotiations in 1990 has survived remarkably intact although the parties within it have undergone considerable transformations. The institutions of democracy have often been misused but have shown their ability to survive in crisis situations. After a dismal record of macroeconomic mismanagement, the establishment of a currency board has brought stability to the country's economy, and the long-delayed structural reform is finally off the ground. Having survived the trials of transition, Bulgaria is now faced with the more difficult task of adapting its political and economic institutions to the requirements of future EU membership.
Bulgaria: The Uneven Transition (Postcommunist States and Nations)
by Vesselin DimitrovThe communist regime in Bulgaria was perhaps the most stable in Eastern Europe and its demise was brought about only by the general collapse of the Soviet bloc. In the light of this, what is surprising about the country's transitions to democracy and a market economy is not that it has been uneven but that it has proceeded without fundamental disruptions and is now showing some signs of consolidation. The two-party system that emerged from the round-table negotiations in 1990 has survived remarkably intact although the parties within it have undergone considerable transformations. The institutions of democracy have often been misused but have shown their ability to survive in crisis situations. After a dismal record of macroeconomic mismanagement, the establishment of a currency board has brought stability to the country's economy, and the long-delayed structural reform is finally off the ground. Having survived the trials of transition, Bulgaria is now faced with the more difficult task of adapting its political and economic institutions to the requirements of future EU membership.
Bulgaria under Communism (Routledge Histories of Central and Eastern Europe)
by Ivaylo Znepolski Mihail Gruev Momtchil Metodiev Martin Ivanov Daniel Vatchkov Ivan Elenkov Plamen DoynovThe book traces the history of communist Bulgaria from 1944 to 1989. A detailed narrative-cum-study of the history of a political system, it provides a chronological overview of the building of the socialist state from the ground up, its entrenchment into the peaceful routine of everyday life, its inner crises, and its gradual decline and self-destruction. The book is the definitive and the most complete guide to Bulgaria under communism and how the communist system operates on a day-to-day level.
Bulgaria under Communism (Routledge Histories of Central and Eastern Europe)
by Ivaylo Znepolski Mihail Gruev Momtchil Metodiev Martin Ivanov Daniel Vatchkov Ivan Elenkov Plamen DoynovThe book traces the history of communist Bulgaria from 1944 to 1989. A detailed narrative-cum-study of the history of a political system, it provides a chronological overview of the building of the socialist state from the ground up, its entrenchment into the peaceful routine of everyday life, its inner crises, and its gradual decline and self-destruction. The book is the definitive and the most complete guide to Bulgaria under communism and how the communist system operates on a day-to-day level.
The Bulgarian-Byzantine Wars for Early Medieval Balkan Hegemony: Silver-Lined Skulls and Blinded Armies
by Dennis P. HupchickThis book provides an interpretive narrative of the wars fought by Bulgaria against the Byzantine Empire for dominant control of the Balkan Peninsula during the early medieval era. Over a span of two centuries, from the early ninth through the early eleventh, and under the leadership of the Bulgarian rulers Krum, Simeon I, and Samuil, those conflicts evolved from simple confrontations for territorial possession into a life-or-death struggle for imperial precedence within the Orthodox world then emerging in Eastern Europe—a struggle that the Bulgarians ultimately lost. The primary focus is on Bulgaria, rather than Byzantium, and an effort is made to provide a historically reliable chronology of the assorted campaigns. The various belligerents’ military organizations, defensive technologies, armaments, and tactics are surveyed in an introduction to the main narrative. A prelude chapter sets the stage for the hegemonic conflict, which was divided into three distinct phases by interludes of relative peace between the contending parties, during which Bulgaria’s domestic, foreign, and cultural developments shaped the nature and conduct of the fighting in each successive phase.
The Bulgarian-Byzantine Wars for Early Medieval Balkan Hegemony: Silver-Lined Skulls and Blinded Armies
by Dennis P. HupchickThis book provides an interpretive narrative of the wars fought by Bulgaria against the Byzantine Empire for dominant control of the Balkan Peninsula during the early medieval era. Over a span of two centuries, from the early ninth through the early eleventh, and under the leadership of the Bulgarian rulers Krum, Simeon I, and Samuil, those conflicts evolved from simple confrontations for territorial possession into a life-or-death struggle for imperial precedence within the Orthodox world then emerging in Eastern Europe—a struggle that the Bulgarians ultimately lost. The primary focus is on Bulgaria, rather than Byzantium, and an effort is made to provide a historically reliable chronology of the assorted campaigns. The various belligerents’ military organizations, defensive technologies, armaments, and tactics are surveyed in an introduction to the main narrative. A prelude chapter sets the stage for the hegemonic conflict, which was divided into three distinct phases by interludes of relative peace between the contending parties, during which Bulgaria’s domestic, foreign, and cultural developments shaped the nature and conduct of the fighting in each successive phase.
The Bull Slayer (Roman Games #2)
by Bruce MacbainTHE ROMAN EMPIRE, 109 ADThe frontier province of Bithynia is a cesspit of sedition, rotten with corruption and seething with hatred of Rome. When a rich Roman official is found dead on a desolate hillside; two riderless horses tethered in a nearby wood, it is assumed he was killed as a protest against Emperor Trajan's unlimited power.But Pliny the Younger, newly appointed Governor of Bithynia, is not so sure.Who was the other rider? What were the two of them doing in the middle of nowhere? And what links this murder to a secret cult of the Persian sun god, Mithras – the Bull Slayer?