Byzantine Naval Forces 1261-1461 DAmato Raffaele

After the recapture of Constantinople, Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos was determined to bring glory back to the Byzantine Empire. This work provides a comprehensive, illustrated guide to the unit history and appearance of these men, who were at the cutting edge of the last great height of Byzantine naval power. To achieve this, he established an Imperial Fleet and raised new regiments of elite marine troops.

Drawing upon early literary sources, the rich evidence of period illuminated manuscripts, frescoes, and other iconography, Raffaele D'Amato details the lasting legacy of the swansong of Byzantine naval They won victory after victory in campaigns throughout the 1260s-70s, and though successive periods of decline and partial resurrection followed, these marine units survived until the very last flickers of Byzantine resistance were extinguished.