NICAEA: A Byzantine Capital and Its Praises (Archbishop Iakovos Library of Ecclesiastical and Historical Sources, No. 21) [Paperback]

Clive Foss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 13, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0917653483 | ISBN-13: 978-0917653483

Nicaea - the site of the First Ecumenical Council (325) and the capital of the Byzantine Empire in exile during the Latin occupation of Constantinople (1204-1261) following the Fourth Crusade - has an important, albeit neglected, role in ecclesiastical and political history. With this book, Professor Clive Foss - a meticulous historian - takes a significant step in rectifying that neglect. As he tells us, his intial objective was to provide a comprehensible English translation of the two thirteenth century encomia delivered by Theodore Laskaris and Theodore Metochites. The intent was to make these important sources accessible to the contemporary reader; and in this he has succeeded notably. But, in addition, there is a major bonus. The initial objective blossomed into a history of Nicaea from the third to the fourteenth centuries, which will interest general readers of history and the specialist as well.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Holy Cross Orthodox Press (May 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0917653483
• ISBN-13: 978-0917653483
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,189,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Incredible Book, July 29, 2006

By 

Mark D. Merlino (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: NICAEA: A Byzantine Capital and Its Praises (Archbishop Iakovos Library of Ecclesiastical and Historical Sources, No. 21) (Paperback)

In "Nicaea - A Byzantine Capital and Its Praises" Clive Foss has produced a masterpiece. The first half of the book places the history and archaeology Roman and Byzantine Nicaea into the broader historical narrative. The second half of the book is devoted to two thirteenth century speeches about Nicaea, by Theodore Doukas Laskaris and Theodore Metochites. The speeches are accompanied by fairly detailed introductions and commentaries. The book finishes with a series of photos, a city map and building plans.

This would be the perfect book for anyone interested in traveling to ancient Nicaea, modern Iznik. The historical commentary, archaeological details and ancient speeches about the city would all enhance any trip to the city. As well, anyone interested in Byzantine history, especially late Byzantine history, will surely find this book to be a great read and resource.

An excellent and highly recommended book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent book, January 3, 2007

By 

A. Cuhadar (Turkey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: NICAEA: A Byzantine Capital and Its Praises (Archbishop Iakovos Library of Ecclesiastical and Historical Sources, No. 21) (Paperback)

a part of the history, detail work, useful photos: the book is worthy of the charming city of Nicaea (Iznik).