Based in the great city of Constantinople, the Byzantine empire was one of the most successful civilizations of the Middle Ages. The continuation of the Roman empire, but in its new iteration as a Christianity centred organization, its dominion straddled Europe and western Asia for more than a millennium. Yet its history remains largely unfamiliar.

Byzantine expert Kevin Lygo vividly chronicles this majestic and turbulent period through the lives of its ninety-two emperors, telling gripping tales of political survival, religious devotion, sexual intrigue and artistic brilliance. The cast includes both men and women, ruthless usurpers and soaring intellectuals; the profound impact of their collective rule can still be felt today.