Byzantium and Its Army, 284-1081 - Warren T. Treadgold, Warren Treadgold - Google Books

https://books.google.de/books?id=xfV0LkMNaLUC&hl=de

The Byzantine Empire was almost always ready to fight, and often fought for its life. During much of its history its provinces were military districts called themes, and acclamation by the army, not coronation or inheritance, was what made a man emperor.…