The hundred-year period ending in 1025, from the reign of the Emperor Constantine VII to that of Basil II 'the Bulgar-Slayer', encompassed the last great era of Byzantine aggression and dominance in the Near East and Balkans. During that time, a succession of soldier-emperors hallenged and defeated an array of opponents on land and at sea and reconquered vast swathes of territory. At the heart of the Emperors' forces were the professional, highly mobile Tagmata or Imperial Guard regiments, originally formed to guard the Emperor¹s person in the capital but invariably deployed as elite combat troops. Joining these heavy cavalry units, were a variety of exotic mercenary units recruited from foreigners, notably the legendary Varangians. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork, this lively study sheds new light on the colourful regiments of the Byzantine Imperial Guard, the formidable warriors who provided the Byzantine emperors with an insurance policy in the capital, and the elite of their field armies when on campaign.

Introduction - historical background /Chronology of campaigns and battles /Byzantine army organization: the Themata and Tagmata /The Tagmata, regimental organization and histories: heavy armoured cavalry units - archer units - infantry units /The Imperial Guard on ceremonial duties /The Imperial Guard on campaign and in battle /Uniforms, armour and weapons /Bibliography /Index

Dr Raffaele D'Amato is an experienced Turin-based researcher of the ancient world. He is an external professor to the Athens University School of Philosophy and Material Culture.