History of the Byzantine Empire. Volume 2, period III–IV

The second volume of the outstanding “History of the Byzantine Empire” by Academician Fyodor Uspensky introduces us to the third and fourth periods of its turbulent existence, marked by upheavals, cruelty, and palace intrigues. Passing through the reign of Heraclius and his successors to the throne, as well as the bloody period of Iconoclasm, the historian sheds detailed light on the appearance of the Slavs on the Balkan Peninsula, the end of their migration, and the establishment of the Bulgarians in the region, accompanied by the reigns of Krum, Omurtag, and Tervel.

The researcher also offers a highly engaging account of Khan Kubrat, along with other extremely important events that outline the further dramatic development of the Byzantine Empire’s relations with the wider world.

Academician Uspensky focuses attention on the conquest of Jerusalem by the Persians, the siege of Constantinople by them and by the Avars, the appearance of the Lombards in Italy—who played a key role in Byzantium’s position in those territories—and the rise of Islam, whose aggressive expansionist policy led to the conquest of Crete and Sicily.

Moving through the rule of Leo the Isaurian and his dynasty, Constantine V (Copronymus), and Nikephoros I, the inimitable historian also reveals the reasons and principles behind the creation of the theme system in the empire, which guaranteed its military strength, as well as its extensive legislative activity. He also describes figures significant not only for the period but for the later life of the Church, such as Theodore the Studite and the Studion Monastery, where the future Bulgarian Patriarch Euthymius spent part of his monastic years.

"History of the Byzantine Empire" is published in Bulgarian in five volumes, with the first volume divided into two parts.

• Volume 1, Period I
  Period I (up to 527). Elements of the formation of Byzantinism
• Volume 1, Period II
  Period II (518–610). From Justinian I to Heraclius
• Volume 2, Periods III–IV
  Period III (610–716). Heraclius and his successors. Period of Iconoclasm (717–867)
• Volume 3, Period V
  Period of the Macedonian dynasty (867–1057)
• Volume 4, Periods VI–VII
  Period VI. Komnenoi (1057–1185). Period VII. Disintegration of the Empire (1185–1204)
• Volume 5, Periods VIII–IX
  Laskarids (1204–1261). Palaiologoi (1261–1453)