This three volume set represents the first English encyclopedia totally devoted to the Byzantine Empire (4th to 15th centuries). It presents signed articles by scholars writing on the notable persons, places, events in the history of Byzantium. Its approximately five thousand entries are a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Byzantine history and civilization, with special depth in subjects such as bureaucratic titles and fiscal terms, urban life, and rural economy. The dictionary defines its subject matter, Byzantium, or the the Byzantine Empire, as follows: Byzantium, or the Byzantine Empire, conventional name of a medieval state that existed for more than one thousand years. It can be viewed as a continuation of the Roman Empire inasmuch as its legal and administrative systems retained numerous Roman features: at the same time, it underwent significant transformations, evolving into a Christian and primarily Greek-speaking state centered on the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean.
