Traces the history of the Byzantine Empire, focusing on the lasting influence it had on the development of Western civilization.

Diocletian's revolution -- Constantine and the Church ascendant -- The pagan counterstroke -- Barbarians and Christians -- A dreadful rumor from the West -- The fall of Rome -- The rise of Peter Sabbatius -- Nika! -- Of buildings and generals -- Yersinia pestis -- A Persian fire -- The house of war -- The image breakers -- The crumbling empire -- The turning tide -- The glorious House of Macedon -- The brilliant pretender -- Death and his nephew -- Basil the Bulgar slayer -- The march of folly -- The Comneni recovery -- Swords that drip with Christian blood -- The empire in exile -- The brilliant sunset -- The eternal emperor -- Epilogue: Byzantine embers.