Why we need more Byzantine History Books in eBook as well in paper.

The Cover of the Theophano Graphic Novel by Spyros Theocharis as Author and Chrysa Sakel as Artist.

The original name of this site was Byzantine Books. I have since changed it multiple times as I sought to change my focus. It is now a history website that is devoted to mostly Byzantine history; Balkans history is also of a great interest to me and features on this site.

The ByzantineTales.com website is an important step towards making Byzantine history more accessible. However, we need more media in general to create more interest. Most of the people interested in Byzantine history are coming from a gaming context. We need to expand that beyond that and so that the wider public wants to enjoy this part of their Christian heritage.

What books should be written on Byzantine History?

Here is a list of three ideas on literary works to get more people interested in Byzantine history.

1. Graphic Novels

ByzantineTales.com has already shown that this is possible. We need to move graphic novels away from superheroes and popular culture and use it as a way to reinvigorate literary culture to appeal to the more visually oriented youth of our age.

2. Historical Fiction

The Outlander series is a clear sign that historical fiction is popular amongst many people. Though the series is more of a throwback now in this cynical age, the Outlander books and series is clear sign that even obscure histories such as the Jacobite risings can be entertaining and educational at the same time. Byzantine history just needs more historical fiction and considering the long span of the empire, there are many topics to choose to focus on.

Another aspect would to be create movies that truly transcend the period and tell something important truths that can be applied in many contexts.

3. Video Games

While not a book in a traditional sense, they are digital texts with their own peculiar nature. Video games have been the main way that people engage with Byzantine history recently.

There are not many games that are focused on the Middle Ages anymore. They were more popular in the past, but now it is more obscure. However, I think that we can get some of that spirit back and start having some more interesting stories in the gaming industry.

The most obvious place to start would be a city builder. That would be safest bet for attempting to create an appetite for Byzantine centric video games.