This monograph investigates the spectacular renewal of the Byzantine navy under the founder of the Komnenian dynasty, Alexios I (1081–1118). It traces the development of the navy, its command structure, its warships, and numerical strength during Alexios I’s reign and the reign of his immediate successors, John II (1118–1143) and Manuel I (1143–1180). The authors make extensive use of available written sources, engage with the archaeological context, and use advanced statistical analysis. The study underscores a critical transition: in 1081, Alexios inherited a navy in terminal decline from long-term neglect. The Komnenian reforms repositioned the fleet as a useful tool of Byzantine foreign policy during the era of the Crusades. Archaeological context confirms that maritime circulation in Byzantine waters changed significantly during this period.
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Bibliographic data
Edition
1/2026
Copyright Year
2026
ISBN-Print
978-1-80270-250-7
ISBN-Online
978-1-80270-492-1
Publisher
Arc Humanities Press, Yorkshire
Series
War and Conflict in Premodern Societies
Language
English
Pages
212
Product Type
Monograph
Table of contents
ChapterPages
Contents No access
List of Illustrations No access
Preface and Acknowledgements No access
Notes on Transliteration No access
Introduction No access Pages 1 - 6
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1. Overview of the Development of the Byzantine Navy Before 1081 No access Pages 7 - 24
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2. The Reforms of Alexios I Komnenos No access Pages 25 - 52
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3. The Byzantine Navy in the Eastern Mediterranean (1081–1118) No access Pages 53 - 86
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4. The Successors of Alexios I Komnenos No access Pages 87 - 106
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5. The Byzantine Navy in the Eastern Mediterranean (1118–1180) No access Pages 107 - 140
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6. The Komnenian Navy, the Maritime Industry, and Seafaring within the Scope of Archaeology No access Pages 141 - 152
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Conclusions No access Pages 153 - 164
Appendix 1 No access Pages 165 - 170
Appendix 2 No access Pages 171 - 179
Appendix 3 No access Pages 180 - 182
Bibliography No access Pages 183 - 194
Index No access Pages 195 - 202
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