Today's episode is brought to you by audible.com.

My recommendation today is The Popes, a history by John Julius Norwich.

Get it for free right now at audibletrial.com-tvcritic.

Hello everyone and welcome to the history of Byzantium.

Episode 114. International Relations

While doing the research for the last three episodes, I came across a number of anecdotes and

useful bits of information which didn't really fit into those shows.

But looking at them, I saw that they all shared in the theme of international relations.

How did the caliphate and the Byzantines and the Franks all communicate, trade and interact with

one another? Today's episode will not be an exhaustive study of that topic, but I think it's a

fascinating little collection of stories which should give you a real insight into the world

of the ninth century. Let's start with the relationship between Byzantium and the caliphate.

Last century you may remember we delved into the murky understanding each side had of the other.

The Byzantines finally got their hands on the Quran and a few clerics made comments about the

value of this heathen text while Arab guides to the House of War described attractive blonde women

known for their promiscuity. Has another century helped the two sides have a clearer picture of

each other? The answer, as you might expect, is sort of. Sadly, neither side preserves a guidebook,

giving us a flavor of the popular understanding of their neighbours, but details do emerge,

which suggests that two centuries on from the siege of Constantinople, each side had become

accustomed to the status quo. And with acceptance of your neighbour as permanent, came a slight warming

of relations. We saw hints of detente in the narrative. Instead of distancing himself from the

behaviour of a Muslim, it seemed like Theophilus tried to emulate Harun Al-Rashid. The famous caliph

...