In AD 867 Basil the Macedonian secured imperial power for his family by the ruthless elimination of his patron (and possibly lover), the emperor Michael III. Despite the bloody beginnings of its history, the Macedonian dynasty proved to be one of the longest lived and most successful of the Byzantine Empire (the last member of the dynasty, Theodora, died in 1056). Its rule coincided with the political and cultural flourishing of the empire, following a period of crisis and decline. The empire regained territory in east and west, and witnessed the peak of its cultural influence over its neighbours, such as the Bulgarians and early Russians. The module examines the period, often described as a golden age, exploring the political and cultural history of the empire. Social developments of the time, such as the emergence of the aristocracy, are also explored. The rich literary and visual sources of the period are drawn upon to recreate an account of this vital and fascinating phase in the history of Byzantium, the eastern Roman Empire. 

• display a knowledge of the history of the Byzantine Empire, c. 850–1050, and an understanding of the political, social and cultural developments of the period.
• analyse critically the historical sources for the period: literary, visual, archaeological and documentary.
• demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of key approaches to and debates about the period.
• discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

10 lectures and 2 seminars; independent study 

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Handouts and slides are used to illustrate the material discussed. 

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to analyse and discuss key issues and topics in the module, and to get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars. 

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for major themes and lecture topics.

• assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
• critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
• constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
• clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
• employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
• bibliographic and referencing skills
• contributing to group discussions
• using IT resources effectively
• independent working and time management

The module will be assessed through an exam consisting of one essay question and one source criticism exercise, weighted 70:30. 

The essay question will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to the Byzantine Empire under the Macedonian dynasty. 

In the source criticism exercise, specific written or material sources relating to the period will be set, and students will have to assess their significance, thus deploying their knowledge of the period and interpretations of it.

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period.

• the sources for the period
• the foundation of the Macedonian dynasty, its ideology and its history
• cultural trends in Byzantium and the cultural influence of the empire
• relations with early Russia, Bulgaria, western Europe and the Islamic east
• the role of court eunuchs in the period
• the relations between imperial government and the social elite

Constantine VII, The Life of Basil

Liudprand of Cremona, The Embassy to Constantinople

Michael Psellos, Chronographia

H. Grégoire, ‘The Amorians and Macedonians 842–1025’, in J.M. Hussey (ed.), The Cambridge Medieval History vol. 4 (1966) 105–192

C. Holmes, Basil II and the Governance of Empire (2009)

R.J.H. Jenkins, Byzantium: The Imperial Centuries AD 610–1071 (1966)

R.J.H. Jenkins, Studies on Byzantine History of the 9th and 10th Centuries (1970)

P. Magdalino, Studies on the History and Topography of Byzantine Constantinople (2007)

S. Runciman, The Emperor Romanus Lecapenus and his Reign (1929)

N. Tobias, Basil I, Founder of the Macedonian Dynasty: A Study of the Political and Military History of the Byzantine Empire in the Ninth Century (2007)

S. Tougher, The Reign of Leo VI (1997)

S. Tougher, ‘Michael III and Basil the Macedonian: just good friends?’, in L. James (ed.), Desire and Denial in Byzantium (1999) 149–158

S. Tougher, ‘Imperial families: the case of the Macedonians (867–1056)’, in L. Brubaker and S. Tougher (eds.), Approaches to the Byzantine Family (2013) 303–326

A. Toynbee, Constantine Porphyrogenitus and his World (1973)

M. Whittow, The Making of Orthodox Byzantium, 600–1025 (1996)

See the module handout for the full reading list.