Includes bibliographical references (pages 126-130) and index.

Part 1 : The History -- What was Byzantium? -- Monks, monasteries and bishops -- The age of the Fathers -- The eastern Church splits -- Icons and iconoclasm -- After iconoclasm -- The Macedonian emperors -- Byzantium under the Comneni -- 1204 and after -- Byzantium 1261-1453 -- Part 2 : The Legacy -- Byzantium and Orthodox life and spirituality -- The setting of worship -- Discipline and control -- Orthodox churches and others -- Perspectives today.

From the foundation of Constantinople in 330 to its fall in 1453, this brief history explores the key components of Byzantinee Christianity, including the development of monasticism, icons and iconoclasm, the role of the emperor in relation to church councils and beliefs, the difficult relationship with the papacy and the impact of the Crusades. The book also considers Byzantine Christianity as a living force today: the variety and vitality of Orthodox churches, the role of the Church in Russia and the enduring relevance of a spirituality derived from the church fathers.