A Short Introduction to the Byzantine Empire - A Crusader Kings III Documentary

[@sreckom92]

"Medieval cities come in three categories. There's un-walled cities. There's walled cities. And there's Constantinople." Very well said. xD

[@PerfectAlibi1]

Didn't Rome itself also have pretty solid walls?

[@sreckom92]

@@PerfectAlibi1 Yes, Aurelian Walls were pretty formidable, even in Middle Ages. However, Theodosian Walls in Constantinople were still a different beast. Not only they were large in size, but also multi-layered, and with a huge garrison. Walls in Rome were also huge, but the city itself was a shadow of it's former self, meaning it's defenders could not muster nowhere near as powerful siege defense as Constantinople.

[@robertc8425]

@@PerfectAlibi1 Put it this way, imagine you are an invader, and you BERLY got up on the walls who are well defended, just to see you have 2 more walls to cross, i bet your moral will be 0 and everyone would flee.

[@heatherwilliams6752]

@@sreckom92 Very True that Rome was a shadow of its former self. it fell from like 1.2 Million people down to a measly 20,000 by the 1000's

[@berkanefeyldrm8814]

And then there is turks 😂

[@BaronVonMott]

"I swear I'm not a Byzantophile." *3 drinks later:*

[@aidansumner8364]

Byzantinophile are gay. Western Roman Empire was cooler, even under the Ostrogoths. Then sub human Justinian destroyed true Roman civilization in his attempts to restore it (by destroying everything in Italy). The Greeks deserved their new Rome getting sacked.

[@memelorddude7688]

same with athens

[@mathy4605]

Very glad to see Julius Caesar himself explain the New Rome to us.

[@ambarcraft4476]

Haha you are right, I didnt notice that before I read this comment.

[@jeoffryfool5550]

In fact, the official name bestowed by Constantine was Nova Roma. Constantinou-polis ( a genitive/possessive City of Constantine) was the colloquial name attributed by the Greek speaking plebs, who were accustomed to naming thus Cities founded by powerful Generals/Military Leaders.

[@aidansumner8364]

Julius Caesar would spit in the face of those larping Greeks. Justinian was responsible for destroying Julius's entire legacy across Italy. The senate in Italy disappeared after he conquered the Ostrogothic kingdom. Kinda hilarious they lost it to another Germanic tribe straight after. Misguided ruler. Should've remained in the East and then maybe Constantinople wouldn't have been sacked by Latin's 550 years later.

[@Miaphysite_Mario]

😂

[@ExtradaemonYT]

Funny how this video talks about how crucial a strong fleet was for defending Constantinople... for a game that doesn't include naval battles of any kind.

[@CameronAB122]

Hopefully someday, with trade and maybe republics!

[@giddyspiderboy]

It might be coming next year with republics (hopefully?)

[@CameronAB122]

@@giddyspiderboy honestly I think Republic Mods are gonna be 1000% better than before just using Administrative as a base

[@davidcohen4518]

why would a medieval game include naval battles lmao

[@ExtradaemonYT]

@@davidcohen4518 Bro watch the documentary

[@yslenjoyer]

Oh wow, I'm very happy to see Anthony Kaldellis here, honestly it gives me a lot of hope for the DLC

[@filipefernandes870]

same here!

[@HansWurst1569]

Why? Is he good at coding and comming up with game mechanics?

[@philipbrening433]

​@@HansWurst1569 he has a Medievalist podcast about Byzantium

[@HansWurst1569]

@@philipbrening433 what has him having a podcast to do with if the DLC will be good then?

[@cadeturner2787]

@@HansWurst1569 Essentially what I think he’s getting at is that paradox is doing its best to be true to Byzantine history and the way its society worked. Anthony Kaldellis is incredibly knowledgeable on the topic and sheds light on aspects of Byzantium earlier historians refuse to look at. So the mere fact that paradox includes him makes it seem that they are dedicated to produce something truly compelling

[@Hunteromega]

Kaldellis rocking the Roman Fade haircut from the ruler designer

[@cadeturner2787]

Just seeing Kaldellis working with paradox made my hope for the dlc sky rocket

[@LSOP-]

I doubt he has any say or influence on the dlc.

[@VoiceInHisHead]

Fire. Kaldellis and the Romans are a pair made in heaven

[@Entropy114]

I love this guy, I hope you have more from him in the future! He's very articulate and down-to-earth while tackling these really wide-spanning subjects. He clearly knows his stuff and I'd be interested to hear even deeper dives from him.

[@CatastrophicDisease]

He’s one of the most eminent scholars on Byzantium alive today.

[@prazzlerazzle5565]

he has his own podcast where he interviews other historians! it is called Byzantium and Friends additionally he has done several interviews with The History of Byzantium podcast

[@evanziavras7790]

He's written multiple books including a recent complete history of Byzantium. I highly recommend them.

[@Mingo_Slickgrin]

I imagine he wanted to say even more but had his time managed. I would totally watch a three hour long version of this video if he brought the same energy throughout.

[@Vasilefs_Terranorum]

@@Mingo_Slickgrin It does feel like it. He’s speaking faster than usually so he was probably trying to cram as much info in as possible.

[@enclavesoldier8893]

“All political systems are based…” Too true, too true.

[@NCRVeteranRanger]

“All warfare is based.” - Sun Tzu

[@vivar5318]

Some more based than others

[@martinromerostrack9138]

​@@vivar5318but based, never the less.

[@shawnbass101]

They will have Sanate government?

[@kv1-781]

Hello brother

[@aarengraves9962]

Chad Greek historian explains Byzantium. WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT?

[@johntitor_ibm5100]

Chad Greek historian explaining Byzantium in period-accurate imperial regalia.

[@KiklerDrill]

a decent dlc that does not ripoff?

[@bradley6357]

Anthony Kaldellis wrote an amazing book on the Eastern Roman Empire!

[@cathar1209]

Actually, several books 😏

[@Theodoros_Kolokotronis]

My favourite are: “Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood: The Rise and Fall of Byzantium, 955 A.D. to the First Crusade” and “Romanland: Ethnicity and Empire in Byzantium”.

[@heatherwilliams6752]

One feature I love about ck3 that I bet hardly anyone else has looked back is how far back you can go when looking at the title of the eastern roman empire, you can even see Augustus and see all the traits he had if you want to design him and play as him and ruler designer, its awesome that you can go back that far.

[@Pacbandit13]

Could do the same thing in CK2

[@GreenVarangian13]

God you brought Antony Kaldelis for this? You guys made the best decision that could be made, literally. Can’t wait for the expansion

[@Henry-lv4uu]

Seeing Kaldellis involved has made me very hopeful that the Romans will finally get the proper treatment. His books Romanland and the Byzantine Republic are A+

[@Bohemondvilhaduan]

Streams of golld rivers of blood is also a+

[@byzantinetales]

Kaldellis is top! We are really glad and honored he has written book burbs in the back of our graphic novels. He's got a unique charisma to communicate history to a popular audience.

[@bergman22]

Prof Kaldellis! One of my favorite lecturers back at OSU, and a great writer and communicator. Glad to see him working with Paradox to give some history, nobody could be better!

[@matheus.bueno47]

The man himself, Anthony Kaldellis!

[@CaptainMyron]

Μπράβο ρε Καλδέλλη. Είσαι μεγάλος μάγκας !

[@TheDAWinz]

the GOAT himself Anthony Kaldellis, fantastic video/collaberation

[@johnferraro707]

🐐

[@nubnubdubdeh]

THANK YOU FOR CALLING IT THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE

[@VoidLantadd]

I'm honestly surprised they got Kaldellis to call them Byzantines at all lmao.

[@jaylonhale5704]

God that ending picture sends chills such a glorious legacy

[@Manuel-qu3tc]

DAMN I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE

[@Doperwtje81]

Being a huge fan of The History of Byzantium podcast, seeing Kaldellis in a CK3 vid is just wonderful!

[@lourencoxbfragoso]

Great to see Prof. Kaldellis! Nice work Paradox!

[@maxwellelkiss7039]

The Kaldellis-CK3 Collaboration is the highlight of this entire DLC. Please take my money, Paradox!

[@Theodoros_Kolokotronis]

The notable work “Chronographia” of Michael Psellos (Psellus), prominent Byzantine Historian and Imperial Courtier to several Byzantine Emperors (11th century), is one of the best accounts and series of biographies from emperor Basil II to Nikephoros III. A unique and valuable source on the history of the 11th century Byzantine Empire. Truly, a historic and academic treasure.

[@Fiaw1]

I hope this inspires people to read actual BOOKS on the Byzantine Empire.

[@TimurJinTor]

I just bought the book of Kaldellis yesterday actually

[@arcanios806]

It is so great that you invited Professir Kaldelis for this. I found it so important that real researcher are included in such a game!

[@sommmeguy]

It's rare for a video game to inspire people to learn history. A great achievement by Paradox.

[@dashwerm6181]

Can we watch the full uncut interview somewhere? I can't get enough of listening to Anthony talk about Byzantium

[@Alcofribas83]

I'm not sure you can, however, he does have a podcast on Byzantine history you can listen to, called "Byzantium and Friends".

[@Daniel_Jones]

Seeing Anthony kaldellis is pretty cool. Been reading his new history of byzantium

[@rexromanorum5767]

What an amazing video! It's the best 10-minute summary of the "Byzantine"/Roman Empire out there! Kaldellis is just magnificent!

[@foswa6335]

Beautiful video. Well made with amazing images.

[@danilmiroshnikov6130]

Every fan of History of Byzantium podcast is probably happy with this expansion.

[@pipp972]

"Whether it's a govt, or a corporation, or a university, there's always intrigue going on" he really said that from the heart, being an academic.

[@timesnewlogan2032]

I could listen to this guy talk about history all day.

[@YarFeld]

Really interesting! These sort of videos are a great addition to your content and hopefully show how much keeping to historical realism (as much as is possible in a game of course) is important to you guys as it is important to us players. Keep it up!

[@thomasj3421]

Professor Anthony Kaldellis. Didn't expect this. Paradox is learning from the best.

[@Ss97sand]

I went to a book shop to buy some books today, there was an infographic Ancient Rome book in the store. It looked amazing but I couldnt afford it.feelsbadman

[@haristahir3472]

PIRATE IT!!.................................. then buy it when you have the money.

[@sommmeguy]

Library?

[@Doc_Nick_]

I love when you do these.

[@chaosspork]

Nice! Kaldellis is probably my favorite historian! I love his books. I'm so glad you guys were able to get him for this. Was he one of the historians you got to consult on this expansion?

[@assisbisneto]

That is delightful. Thank you, paradox!

[@roropiroro6425]

There should be an artifact called "greek fire recipe" that allows the owner to recruit greek fire land units. The artifact would be hell expensive to maintain once reached its lifespan, as well the unit it provides, it would be hell expensive to recruit, upgrade, and maintain. Since it would be an artifact, pretty much any other character could plot to steal such a secret from you, and if the current owner decides to not maintain the artifact, then it is lost forever to the game.

[@CarlosGomez-jl3jd]

Dr. Kaldellis is is one of my great inspirations as a hopeful graduate student and its so cool to see him working with a game that I love. Bravo!

[@heatherwilliams6752]

I can't wait for the DLC, seeing this and how accurate it was makes me very happy and in high hopes for how the DLC will turn out

[@ommargiraud1960]

This has got to be the best update so far, good job paradox!!

[@MajorGore]

Yes! Kaldellis!

[@rhysrphoto]

Fantastic video, thanks.

[@SignaturalHY]

Byzantine Empire is the strongest playable faction in Crusader Kings III thanks to primogeniture and Constantinople, but rebellions, assassinations, and foreign invasions are so frequent that it's difficult for the family to maintain power.

[@hopeundertheblacksun]

Historically accurate

[@rohitrai6187]

The music is so excellent Gives me goosebumps

[@DarkSolace33]

I LOVE HISTORY!

[@Nemenon]

I'd love to see more of this guy, great video!

[@twistedsteeltv6130]

He's got a new book out on the Byzantine Empire I recommend.

[@yslenjoyer]

He has a couple of great books on Byzantium, plus some good translations of primary sources and a fascinating podcast + he has appeared quite a bit on the "History of Byzantium" podcast. Great historian overall.

[@prazzlerazzle5565]

he has a podcast where he interviews other historians Byzantium and Friends give it a listen

[@okramronan]

Cant wait....... amazing work guys amazing work...

[@surrog]

Very interesting video :) But it's a bit weird to cut some image of him walking around or viewing him from the side, but drawings were really good.

[@williamfogwell6799]

Just give me a working themata system! Kinda hope for that since they've mentioned the pronoia.

[@command_unit7792]

Projection from Paradox...they need to release a documantery about the internal politics of Paradox Interactive now...

[@Kvothe4273]

So excited for this

[@frankiecedeno3724]

Man I really hope the Varangian Guard becomes interesting with the upcoming DLC

[@imhungryish8274]

What's going on Big Tony! Good to see you're doing well.

[@thevoidlookspretty7079]

Fun fact: I’m pretty sure every PDX dev and 3/4 of players could recite these facts offhand.

[@Inderastein]

First, also I wanna say: I wish that the game has this as a tutorial video for Byzantion.

[@chunkEcheez]

This is an awesome video. I know nothing about history, but I could do this.

[@maseola9091]

유익한 영상이었습니다. 👍

[@McSnacks930]

I love this! More of these please!

[@eyepatchpirate7726]

I like the fact that they added the exact folio numbers and names of the manuscripts they used for the videos. As a Byzantinist, I must say this short doc is pretty epic. Props to Anthony.

[@Bratwurstbratmeister]

7:27 it says here the image is an engraving of Emperor Justinian II who ruled from 565 to 578, but that would be Justin II. Justinian II ruled from 685 to 695 and again from 705 to 711. As he said, late 7th to early 8th century.

[@Ricogator84]

Professor Kaldellis has some excellent books on Byzantium, and the History of Byzantium podcast by Robin Pierson is a well researched and incredibly thorough dive into the narrative of the Empire for those with a long commute :)

[@aqumuffins]

I love Kaldellis! Glad to see this collaboration. Read The New Roman Empire, it's a great book!

[@thecritic860]

Ahh, another Byzantine documentary, short it may be but I love it nonetheless, time to add it to the playlist XD.

[@Proud2bGreek1]

Let me forget about this... it's coming late September and I have to be reminded of the fact before July!

[@Mingo_Slickgrin]

awesome video!

[@ByzantineBob96]

omg they got Professor Kaldellis for this! Thats so awesome.

[@cathar1209]

Well, well... Kaldellis is a staple of quality... now I'm intrigued.

[@theanarkiddie4569]

This is brilliant, thank you Dr Kaldellis!!

[@TannerCLynn]

This was really cool. Hopefully the DLC will be worth the insane price they always put them at...

[@chunkEcheez]

I have to give props to Sylvester Stallone for playing Constantine at 6:00, he was really good.

[@drakejameson3343]

Great video guys, looking forward to the dlc

[@ewbait]

You can tell how much Professor Kaldellis loves this! 🤣

[@Maz97G]

i would like to see a ceremony every time you get a new king and more

[@deathblades6257]

i would love to have that rug map on my king floor in ck 3

[@Marshal_Rock]

My god! What an awesome surprise!

[@stefanvas6984]

As a die hard fan of the Byzantine Empire I can finally consider getting CK3. :)

[@GeorgiosLeo]

Great video! Finally a good analysis of Eastern Rome.

[@solaraspect5255]

My favorite guest on HoB. Is this this an omen of a redemption arch for CK3?

[@Traumwanderer77]

I am just watching Viking:Valhalla with the story about the Varangian guards for Byzantine ... I love historical series even when they are not always historically 100 % correct ...

[@Jose-Herenu]

3:05 Hubiese sido un buen momento para plantearse el implementar unidades marítimas y guerras navales...

[@ShayGamerD3]

The guy is just fantastic. Good choice, Paradox!

[@Muramasa1794]

My God they got Anthony Kaldellis wow amazing

[@giovannibraggs9223]

Big fan of Dr. Kaldellis! Love his podcast.

[@secularpastor]

"hey, the emperor made that duke change his religion, every living being in this realm shall join our liberty faction."

[@ModestEric]

You guys also do historical documentaries? as a gaming company????? sign me up

[@monadsingleton9324]

*Babe, wake-up. Its time to restore the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages. Again.*

[@Eternallegacy1]

Very good video, can’t wait to play as the Romans in the new dlc!

[@Onezy05]

No way they got Kaldellis for this!

[@juke9674]

Odd way to spell "Roman", but Im hyped nonetheless!

[@Dustz92]

11:07 I'm sure John II was great, but calling him jesus Christ may be a bit too much

[@jeoffryfool5550]

TaRmata has been misspelled; it is TaGmata. He pronounces G/Γ in a Greek way, thus resembling and reminiscent of an R as pronounced by a French.

[@joshuarosenbaum2410]

This sounds like an ad for the Videssos Cycle and Krispos

[@johnmavrakis2501]

A small mistake in 11:06 the mosaic depicts Christ, the Virgin Mary and not other saints but the emperor John the second komnenos and his wife. They were never canonized as saints by the orthodox church

[@ひろゆき二十一]

Excellent video

[@CrusaderKings]

Thank you very much!