Supervisors info:
Σοφία Μεργιαλή-Σαχά, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια
Τμήμα Ιστορίας και Αρχαιολογίας, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Αντωνία Κιουσοπούλου, Καθηγήτρια
Κατερίνα Νικολάου, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια
Summary:
The thesis at hand studies the grand strategy of Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118), which is the utilization by his side of all means available to the Byzantine Empire for the accomplishment of its goals in the environment of late 11th – early 12th century antagonism and strife. Ruling during one of the most critical periods of Byzantine history, Alexios Komnenos managed to repell the enemies of the state, reclaim lost territory and restore the Empire’s prestige, establishing a stable dynasty that would last for 100 years. Thus arises the question, about how did he achieve all the above, but also what mistakes might have subverted his work in the long term. Firstly, the meaning of strategy in the science of international relations is analysed, along with Byzantium’s strategic tradition as expressed in byzantine texts and in the Empire’s political and military practice. The introduction is complemented by the exposition of the geographic-geopolitical environment of Byzantium in the times of Alexios Komnenos, allowing the recognition of the basic thatres of operations. The narration of Byzantium’s 11th century crisis constitutes the context for the activity of Alexios Komnenos and demarcates the capabilities, limitations and challenges of his reign. The thesis follows the rise of Alexios to power and his political struggles by front and opponent, including the Norman invasions, the raids of nomadic peoples in the Balkans, the passage of the First Crusade and the war with the Turks in Asia Minor. In each chapter, after the exposition of political and military events and the means used by the emperor against each threat, his policy is analysed according to the criteria of strategic studies. His actions on each branch of grand strategy and the model of relationship developed with foreign powers are presented, while their success is rated. As military strategy, diplomacy and international legitimacy arise through general political history, a special chapter is devoted to the other branches of grand strategy. Domestic policy and the means of securing the Komneni regime, the ideological and religious basis of authority, and the economic conditions that allowed Alexios to proceed with his, as examined as the unseen yet fundamental basis of imperial strategy.
Keywords:
Byzantine Empire, Byzantium, Strategy, International Relations, Alexios Komnenos, Crusades, Diplomacy
