Michael Whitby

Theodore Syncellus was a prominent member of the clergy in Constantinople in the 620s, being a close advisor to Patriarch Sergius. As such he was chosen to participate in a delicate mission to the Avar khagan during the siege of the city in 626 and to deliver celebratory sermons. The first, ‘On the Robe’, commemorated the restoration of the miraculous relic of the Virgin’s Robe to the shrine at Blachernae, just outside the city walls, after it had been removed to protect it from Avar looting in 623. The second, ‘On the Siege’, analysed and gave thanks for the city’s escape from a joint attack by Avars and Persians in 626. The two speeches provide important evidence for popular devotion in the capital, especially to the Virgin Mary who now acquires the status of the city's special protector, for the role of Patriarch Sergius and others in leading the city during the long absence on campaign of the emperor Heraclius, and for how contemporary events could be fitted into Biblical contexts to elevate Constantinople and its inhabitants to the status of the new Israel. This new English translation of these two sermons (the first complete translation of 'On the Robe' and the first of 'On the Siege') sheds light on both the religious history of the eastern Roman Empire at the end of antiquity and on events in seventh-century Constantinople.

Theodore of Sykeon is one of the archetypal holy men of the late Roman world, a person whose intense ascetic regime earned him fame in the villages and cities of his Galatian homeland, where he was called upon to work a variety of miracles – cures for various ailments, prevention of natural disasters, and the exorcism of unclean spirits both from individuals and groups. His reputation for holiness led to appointment as bishop of Anastasiopolis, a responsibility he did not enjoy since its administrative commitments compromised his ascetic regime and conflicted with his sense of social justice. The location of his village on the main highway across Anatolia ensured that his fame was soon translated into contacts with travelling dignitaries, and this brought him to the attention of successive emperors and patriarchs of Constantinople. He made three trips to the Holy Land and visited the capital three times, where he met the emperors Maurice, Phocas, and Heraclius as well as the patriarchs Cyriacus, Thomas, and Sergius. Theodore’s disciple George, a future leader of the Sykeon monasteries, began composing this Life shortly after Theodore’s death in 613. Soon thereafter, his body was removed to Constantinople as a talisman, an event celebrated by Nicholas the Treasurer.

Theodore Syncellus was a prominent member of the clergy in Constantinople in the 620s, being a close advisor to Patriarch Sergius. As such he was chosen to participate in a delicate mission to the Avar khagan during the siege of the city in 626 and to deliver celebratory sermons. The first, ‘On the Robe’, commemorated the restoration of the miraculous relic of the Virgin’s Robe to the shrine at Blachernae, just outside the city walls, after it had been removed to protect it from Avar looting in 623. The second, ‘On the Siege’, analysed and gave thanks for the city’s escape from a joint attack by Avars and Persians in 626. The two speeches provide important evidence for popular devotion in the capital, especially to the Virgin Mary who now acquires the status of the city's special protector, for the role of Patriarch Sergius and others in leading the city during the long absence on campaign of the emperor Heraclius, and for how contemporary events could be fitted into Biblical contexts to elevate Constantinople and its inhabitants to the status of the new Israel. This new English translation of these two sermons (the first complete translation of 'On the Robe' and the first of 'On the Siege') sheds light on both the religious history of the eastern Roman Empire at the end of antiquity and on events in seventh-century Constantinople.

The five holy men and one holy woman presented in this volume represent five significant monastic figures from the years 370 to 470 whose Lives are not currently available in English translation. Isaac confronted Emperor Valens and predicted his death at Adrianople before accepting the patronage of Saturninus; Hypatius built up a community at a deserted monastery south of Chalcedon, which he led for four decades; Marcellus was the third leader of the ‘Sleepless’ monastery at Irenaeum on the Bosporus; Domnica established a female community outside the city with the support of the patriarch; Auxentius abandoned service in the imperial guards to take up residence on a hill south of Chalcedon, where he attracted both male and female devotees; John the Calybite, if he existed, left the Sleepless community to place himself as a beggar outside his parents’ grand house in Constantinople, only revealing himself when near death. Their interactions, not always positive, with Constantinople’s religious and secular leadership, as well as their care for ordinary people, cast light on the life of the capital and the needs and beliefs of its inhabitants.

The Council of Nicaea in 325 was a momentous event in the history of both the Christian Church and the Later Roman empire. Summoned by the Christian emperor Constantine, Nicaea came to be remembered as the first ecumenical council which composed the original Nicene Creed still used in modified form in most Christian churches today. The assembled bishops gathered to debate the theological questions raised when the Alexandrian presbyter Arius clashed with his bishop Alexander regarding the precise divinity of the Son of God and the Son’s relationship with the Father. Through the surviving documents from the years surrounding Nicaea we can explore the doctrinal and ecclesiastical tensions which fuelled the so-called ‘Arian’ Controversy which divided Christians across the fourth century and beyond. At the same time, the Council of Nicaea also debated the celebration of Easter and issues of Church discipline, while coming to terms with Christianity’s new prestige symbolised by the presence at the council of emperor Constantine. The documents translated here are of great individual value but presenting them as a collection with introductions and commentary allows a closer re-examination of their significance and disputed chronology and the importance of Nicaea in a crucial formative period for the Christian Roman empire.

In Late Antiquity Gaza was an exceptionally prosperous city, with wealth derived from a flourishing wine trade across the Mediterranean, as well as an intellectual centre whose leading lights combined traditional classical and Christian learning. Bishop Porphyry is famous for effecting the transformation in the early fourth century AD of this thriving community from a bastion of pagan beliefs into a Christian city, primarily through the destruction of the main temple to the god Marnas and other pagan sanctuaries and the working of miracles for the benefit of the local population. Conversion was neither easy nor guaranteed, since the leaders of local society at the time were solidly pagan and prepared to mobilize violence to defend their traditional ways. His success required missions to the empire’s capital, Constantinople, where he interacted with the Patriarch John Chrysostom and imperial authorities. On one occasion he managed with the help of Empress Eudoxia to outmanoeuvre Emperor Arcadius into acceding to his request for imperial authority and physical backing to secure the closure and demolition of temples. The two key versions of Porphyry’s biography are here presented together in new translations for the first time.

Justinian I was the last great conquering Roman emperor, who dramatically increased the size of his realm although he never actually led an army in person. His long reign (527-565) was devoted to the challenging project of _renovatio imperii_, that is the renovation of Empire. His was the will and vision behind campaigns that saw the reconquest of Rome itself and Italy from the Ostrogoths, North Africa from the Vandals, and parts of Spain from the Visigoths. These grand schemes were largely accomplished through the services of two talented generals, Belisarius and Narses, and in spite of the distractions of wars against the Persians in the east for most of his reign and the devastation caused by bubonic plague. This is the only book available devoted to analysing all of Justinian's campaigns on the basis of the full range of sources. Besides narrating the course and outcome of these wars, Michael Whitby analyses the Roman army of the period, considering its equipment, organization, leadership, strategy and tactics, and considers the longer-term impact of Justinian's military ventures on the stability of the empire.

An indispensable guide to the twenty-five key tactics that have achieved victory down the ages.

The Admirals: Canada’s Senior Naval Leadership in the Twentieth Century fills an important void in the history of Canada’s navy. Those who carry the burden of high command have a critical niche in not only guiding the day-to-day concerns of running an armed service but in ensuring that it is ready to face the challenges of the future. Canada’s leading naval historians present analytical articles on the officers who led the navy from its foundation in 1910 to the unification in 1968. Six former Maritime Commanders provide personal reflections on command. The result is a valuable biographical compendium for anyone interested in the history of the Canadian Navy, the Canadian Forces, or military and naval leadership in general.

This volume introduces the reader to every important aspect of the society of Sparta, the dominant power in southern Greece from the seventh century BC and the great rival of democratic Athens in the fifth and fourth centuries. During this period Sparta evolved a unique social and political system that combined egalitarian structures, military ideals and brutal oppression, and permitted male citizens to focus on the practice of war. The system fascinated scholars at the time and has done so ever since: its outlines are clear, but because of the nature of the evidence almost all detailed aspects of Spartan social practices and constitutional affairs are open to debate. Michael Whitby introduces and presents some of the most outstanding contributions to the history of Sparta. Together they cover the key aspects of Spartan history and society: its problematic early history, social and economic organisation (especially the different categories of citizens and non-citizens), international relations and military achievements, religious practices and culture, the role of women, and sexual conduct and values. He has chosen them partly for their clarity and importance, and partly too for the questions they raise about the problems of studying Sparta - what evidence to consider, what precautions need to be observed in considering it, and what sorts of conclusions it is reasonable to draw. His intention is not to pretend that definitive answers can be offered to the main problems of Sparta but to encourage readers to formulate their own approaches and judgements with due respect for the limitations of the evidence and awareness of the benefits of informed speculation.

This volume introduces the reader to every important aspect of the society of Sparta, the dominant power in southern Greece from the seventh century BC and the great rival of democratic Athens in the fifth and fourth centuries. During this period Sparta evolved a unique social and political system that combined egalitarian structures, military ideals and brutal oppression, and permitted male citizens to focus on the practice of war. The system fascinated scholars at the time and has done so ever since: its outlines are clear, but because of the nature of the evidence almost all detailed aspects of Spartan social practices and constitutional affairs are open to debate. Michael Whitby introduces and presents some of the most outstanding contributions to the history of Sparta. Together they cover the key aspects of Spartan history and society: its problematic early history, social and economic organisation (especially the different categories of citizens and non-citizens), international relations and military achievements, religious practices and culture, the role of women, and sexual conduct and values. He has chosen them partly for their clarity and importance, and partly too for the questions they raise about the problems of studying Sparta - what evidence to consider, what precautions need to be observed in considering it, and what sorts of conclusions it is reasonable to draw. His intention is not to pretend that definitive answers can be offered to the main problems of Sparta but to encourage readers to formulate their own approaches and judgements with due respect for the limitations of the evidence and awareness of the benefits of informed speculation.

In Late Antiquity Gaza was an exceptionally prosperous city, with wealth derived from a flourishing wine trade across the Mediterranean, as well as an intellectual centre whose leading lights combined traditional classical and Christian learning. Bishop Porphyry is famous for effecting the transformation in the early fourth century AD of this thriving community from a bastion of pagan beliefs into a Christian city, primarily through the destruction of the main temple to the god Marnas and other pagan sanctuaries and the working of miracles for the benefit of the local population. Conversion was neither easy nor guaranteed, since the leaders of local society at the time were solidly pagan and prepared to mobilize violence to defend their traditional ways. His success required missions to the empire’s capital, Constantinople, where he interacted with the Patriarch John Chrysostom and imperial authorities. On one occasion he managed with the help of Empress Eudoxia to outmanoeuvre Emperor Arcadius into acceding to his request for imperial authority and physical backing to secure the closure and demolition of temples. The two key versions of Porphyry’s biography are here presented together in new translations for the first time.

Theodore of Sykeon is one of the archetypal holy men of the late Roman world, a person whose intense ascetic regime earned him fame in the villages and cities of his Galatian homeland, where he was called upon to work a variety of miracles – cures for various ailments, prevention of natural disasters, and the exorcism of unclean spirits both from individuals and groups. His reputation for holiness led to appointment as bishop of Anastasiopolis, a responsibility he did not enjoy since its administrative commitments compromised his ascetic regime and conflicted with his sense of social justice. The location of his village on the main highway across Anatolia ensured that his fame was soon translated into contacts with travelling dignitaries, and this brought him to the attention of successive emperors and patriarchs of Constantinople. He made three trips to the Holy Land and visited the capital three times, where he met the emperors Maurice, Phocas, and Heraclius as well as the patriarchs Cyriacus, Thomas, and Sergius. Theodore’s disciple George, a future leader of the Sykeon monasteries, began composing this Life shortly after Theodore’s death in 613. Soon thereafter, his body was removed to Constantinople as a talisman, an event celebrated by Nicholas the Treasurer.

Hospitals monitoring is becoming more complex and is increasing both because staff want their data analysed and because of increasing mandated surveillance. This book provides a suite of functions in R, enabling scientists and data analysts working in infection management and quality improvement departments in hospitals, to analyse their often non-independent data which is frequently in the form of trended, over-dispersed and sometimes auto-correlated time series; this is often difficult to analyse using standard office software. This book provides much-needed guidance on data analysis using R for the growing number of scientists in hospital departments who are responsible for producing reports, and who may have limited statistical expertise. This book explores data analysis using R and is aimed at scientists in hospital departments who are responsible for producing reports, and who are involved in improving safety. Professionals working in the healthcare quality and safety community will also find this book of interest Statistical Methods for Hospital Monitoring with R: Provides functions to perform quality improvement and infection management data analysis.Explores the characteristics of complex systems, such as self-organisation and emergent behaviour, along with their implications for such activities as root-cause analysis and the Pareto principle that seek few key causes of adverse events.Provides a summary of key non-statistical aspects of hospital safety and easy to use functions.Provides R scripts in an accompanying web site enabling analyses to be performed by the reader http://www.wiley.com/go/hospital_monitoringCovers issues that will be of increasing importance in the future, such as, generalised additive models, and complex systems, networks and power laws.

In the early third century AD, the Roman Empire was a force to be reckoned with, controlling vast territories and wielding enormous political power from Scotland to the Sahara. Four hundred years later, this mighty empire was falling apart in the face of ongoing problems and the government's failure to deal with them. In this challenging new volume, Michael Whitby tackles the fundamental issues (such as the rise of Christianity) that led to the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, and offers a startling reassessment of the performance of the late Roman army.

In the early third century AD the Roman Empire was a force to be reckoned with, controlling vast territories and wielding enormous political power from Scotland to the Sahara. Four hundred years later this mighty empire was falling apart in the face of successive problems that the rulers failed to deal with. In this volume, Michael Whitby tackles the fundamental issues (such as the rise of Christianity) that led to the "decline and fall" of the Roman Empire, and offers a reassessment of the performance of the late Roman army.

Theophylact Simocatta, the last historian of classical antiquity, has in the past deterred investigators by the idiosyncrasies of his style. Through examination of Theophylact's narrative, and collation with other available evidence, Dr Whitby has unpicked the obscurities, biases, and errors to clear the way for a more accurate appreciation of the events of the reign of Emperor Maurice (582-602). Maurice's reign witnessed great struggles as the Romans attempted to defend their traditional frontiers on the Danube and in Mesopotamia and Armenia. In both areas, Maurice achieved great successes: in the Balkans, migrations of Slavs and invasions by Avars were held in check, if not completely halted; and in the east the emperor reinstated Khusro II, the legitimate Persian king, and attempted to forge a long-term peace. These events are important both in the historical geography of the Balkans and eastern frontier, and for understanding the fate of the post-Justinian Roman Empire. Whitby reveals the History as a work worthy of serious study in its own right as a product of the last flowering of classical Greek literature in antiquity.