8 Best Byzantine Empire History Books for Beginners (2026)

Why these are the best Byzantine Empire history books for beginners

If you want one clear path into Byzantine history, this list starts with readable narrative books, then adds deeper works on politics, religion, and military conflict. If you’re new to the period, begin with Norwich or Herrin, then move to Kaldellis and Treadgold.

If you also enjoy adjacent reading, you can pair this with our guides to Roman Empire history books for beginners and Silk Road history books for beginners.

8 best Byzantine Empire history books for beginners

1. A Short History of Byzantium by John Julius Norwich
   Best for: your first complete overview from late antiquity to 1453.

2. Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire by Judith Herrin
   Best for: understanding daily life, religion, and culture beyond emperors and battles.

3. The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium by Anthony Kaldellis
   Best for: a modern, readable synthesis with strong analysis of institutions and state power.

4. A History of the Byzantine State and Society by Warren Treadgold
   Best for: readers who want one-volume depth after finishing an introductory title.

5. Byzantium and Its Army, 284–1081 by Warren Treadgold
   Best for: beginners especially interested in military structure and imperial survival.

6. The Byzantine Commonwealth by Dimitri Obolensky
   Best for: Byzantine influence on Eastern Europe, Orthodoxy, and diplomacy.

7. Byzantium: The Decline and Fall by John Julius Norwich
   Best for: focused reading on the empire’s final centuries and fall of Constantinople.

8. Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization by Lars Brownworth
   Best for: a fast, engaging narrative when you want momentum before denser scholarship.

Suggested reading order

• Start: A Short History of Byzantium

• Then: Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire

• Next: The New Roman Empire

• Deepen with: A History of the Byzantine State and Society

• Specialize with: military or diplomacy-focused titles above

For timeline orientation while reading, use the Encyclopaedia Britannica Byzantine Empire overview and the Metropolitan Museum’s Byzantium essays.

FAQ

What is the best first Byzantine history book for complete beginners?

For most beginners, A Short History of Byzantium is the easiest first read because it gives a clear narrative arc before you move into denser books.

Which Byzantine book should I read after a broad overview?

After a general introduction, The New Roman Empire is a strong second step because it combines readability with up-to-date interpretation.

Are these Byzantine history books academic or readable for casual readers?

This list prioritizes readability. Some titles are more scholarly, but all are workable for serious non-specialists who want a reliable foundation.