For many, Byzantium remains rigid, marginal, heavy. Despite the efforts of some modern historians, prejudices continue to distort the view that both the general public and expert scholars have on Byzantine culture, which is often belittled, treated as the poor relative of the classical world.

In this book, the internationally renowned historian Averil Cameron presents an original and personal perspective on the challenges and issues facing historians of Byzantium today. Why is Byzantium often ignored or exiled to its own historical sphere? What is Byzantium's place in the modern discussion around empire, and what is the nature of its political system? How "Greek" was Byzantium? What is the relationship of Byzantium with Orthodox Christianity? What did Byzantine visual art offer?

Cameron refutes misconceptions surrounding Byzantium, analyzes why the incorporation of its culture into broader historical frameworks is so important, and outlines the reasons why Byzantium should hold a central position in the ever-enriching discussion about the relations between the West and the East, Christianity and Islam, Catholicism and Orthodoxy, and the ancient and medieval periods.

“In this brilliant book, which renews our perspective, one of the most distinguished Byzantinists of our time describes what has changed and what still needs to change in the way we approach Byzantium. The Value of Byzantium, a book written with a personal touch, immediacy, and insight, will be a critical read for all those interested in the future of classical, medieval, and Byzantine studies.” Peter Sarris, author of Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700.

“Cameron tackles some of the most contentious issues raised by Byzantium's thousand-year history, boldly addressing problems of identity, nationality, and continuity of language and religious practice, as well as notoriously difficult topics such as Hellenism and Orthodoxy. Through a comparative analysis of interpretations and cultural attitudes, she demonstrates both the undeniable significance of Byzantium in the medieval world and the importance it continues to hold today.” Judith Herrin, author of Margins and Metropolis and Unrivalled Influence.