For centuries, Byzantium, like Russia later, served Europe as a shield against the onslaught from the East. Wave after wave rolled on the power of the Romans Huns and Persians, Arabs, Pechenegs and Turks. And the empire repelled almost all these invasions, forcing opponents to peace, some by force of arms, and some by skillful diplomacy. The book will be of interest to both historians and a wide range of readers interested in the history of the Byzantine Empire and the ancient world.