Book Review
Nikephoras II Phokas
The White Death of The Saracens
By
Ilkka Syvanne
Pen and Sword Books 2025
This new biography of the Emperor and General is a great one. The author is an expert on medieval warfare and the book has a heavy emphasis on the Byzantine military and its formations and tactics. It is a lengthy biography and a delight to read.
Nikephoros was a superb General who brought victory and glory to the Empire. He was feared by his enemies. He was also fiercely religious.
He founded the Monastery of the Great Lavra on the holy mountain. The first Monastery on Mount Athos. He established laws which reformed the Church. He is one of the most interesting Emperors in the history of Byzantium.
The book is an outstanding addition to the library of any lover of Byzantium.