Entre désastres et renaissances : les assises militaires de l'Empire byzantin aux XIIIème et XIVème siècles/ Henri Rouquette
Institution:
Toulouse 2Disciplines:
Directors:
Abstract EN:
The military byzantine strengh lacks of stable structures and it depends on an uncertain recruitment. There-fore it has been exposed to the risk of heavy failures in spite of some bursts of energy, in which we may observe examples of the greek skill. The permanent value of this army lies in its aristocratic management, this military nobility is often appealed to service and attempts to loose its task toward the emperor in order to devote its care to its own affairs. It moves to a regional autonomy where it asserts its importance. From this, the defence is negleeted. After frequent hazards scattered during two centuries, the byzantine world withdraws into a few remaining provinces. Without any valuable army, it seems to be resigned to a foreign trust.
Abstract FR:
Demunie de structure stable et soumise aux fluctuations d'un recrutement aleatoire, la force militaire byzantine est sujette a de graves flechissements malgre quelques sursauts ou se manifeste l'habilete grecque. Sa seule valeur permanente reside dans son encadrement aristocratique. Souvent sollicitee, cette noblesse militaire tend a negliger son service envers l'empereur pour se consacrer a ses propres interets. Elle evolue vers un particularisme regional ou sa position s'affirme cependant que la defense exterieure en est d'autant negligee. Apres une serie d'aleas etales sur deux siecles, le monde byzantin se replie sur les quelques provinces qui demeurent et, prive d'armee digne de ce nom, il semble resigne a la tutelle etrangere.