Constantinople AD 717-18

Constantinople AD 717-18 Ref: CAM347
The Crucible of History

by Si Sheppard

Includes three paintings by Graham Turner

Books bought from Studio 88 are individually hand-signed by artist Graham Turner

From the publisher's website:
The siege of Constantinople in AD 717-18 was the supreme crisis of Western civilization.

The Byzantine Empire had been reeling under the onslaught of Arabic imperialism since the death of the Prophet, whilst Jihadist armies had detached Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Carthage from imperial control and were in the process of imposing their ascendancy at sea. The Empire had been reduced to its Anatolian and Balkan heartland, and Arab incursions threatened even this - Arab naval forces had appeared under the walls of Constantinople every year from AD 674 to 678. But all this was only a prelude to the massive combined-arms invasion force that advanced on the capital in 717.

This volume offers a comprehensive study of the ensuing clash between the ascendant Caliphate and the Empire at bay. It details the forces available to each side, with their respective advantages and vulnerabilities, evaluating the leadership qualities of the rival commanders and assessing their strategic and tactical initiatives. It also accounts for the trajectory and outcome of the campaign and emphasises the fundamental significance of the struggle. By holding the line, the Byzantines gave Europe enough time to develop at its own pace and emerge strong enough to face down its Islamic counterpart on equal terms.

If Constantinople had fallen in 717, could Europe have endured as an independent entity? Could Christianity have survived as major religion? What would the future course of world history have been?

click on image to enlarge

Paperback
248 x 184mm
96 pages
Published March 2020

Price: £15.99

Osprey books bought from Studio 88 are individually hand-signed by the artist Graham Turner

Original Paintings

Graham Turner's original paintings created for this book are available for sale, a unique opportunity to acquire an original piece of art that has been immortalised in print - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Giclée Prints

The three paintings created for this book can be produced to order as individually printed, high quality artist-signed Giclée Prints - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS