Survival of the Eastern Roman Empire - Early Middle Ages

Explore the survival of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire in this 47-minute lecture from Yale University's course on the Early Middle Ages. Delve into Procopius' Secret History and examine the factors that allowed the East to endure while the West collapsed. Investigate the urbanization, economic strength, and geographical stability that contributed to the Byzantine Empire's resilience. Analyze the challenges faced by the East, including threats from Persia, Slavs, Avars, and Arabs, as well as internal religious controversies like Nestorianism, Monophysitism, and Iconoclasm. Gain insights into the complex political, economic, and religious landscape of the early medieval period, with a focus on the Eastern Empire's struggle for survival and adaptation in the face of numerous threats and changes.

- Chapter 1. Introduction.
- Chapter 2. Procopius' Secret History.
- Chapter 3. Circumstances of the Survival of the East.
- Chapter 4. Christological Controversies -- Nestorianism and Monophysitism.
- Chapter 5. The Rise of Islam, the Persian Threat, and Barbarian Invasions.
- Chapter 6. Iconoclasm.
- Chapter 7. Conclusion.