The Byzantine army and its defensive methods for the Empire

Abstract

The Byzantine army was the primary military body of the Byzantine armed forces, serving alongside the Byzantine navy. A direct continuation of the Roman army, The Byzantine army maintained a similar level of discipline, strategic prowess and organization. It was among the most effective armies of western Eurasia for much of the Middle Ages. Over time the cavalry arm became more prominent in the Byzantine army as the legion system disappeared in the early 7th century AD. Later reforms reflected some Germanic and Asian influences–rival forces frequently became sources of mercenary units; Huns, Cumans, and Turks, meeting the Empire's demand for light cavalry mercenaries. Since much of the Byzantine military focused on the strategy and skill of generals utilizing militia troops, heavy infantry. From the 7th to the 12th centuries AD, the Byzantine army was among the most powerful and effective military forces in the world–neither Middle Ages Europe nor (following its early successes) the fracturing Caliphate could match the strategies and the efficiency of the Byzantine army. Restricted to a largely defensive role in the 7th to mid-9th centuries AD, the Byzantines developed the theme-system to counter the more powerful Caliphate.