The role of the Armenians in the Byzantine Empire has been often understated, and in some cases entirely ignored. The most common interpretation of Byzantium as a manifestation of Medieval Hellenism has meant no room for the Armenian element within the Byzantine state to be recognised. Toby Bromige has been conducting a revisionist work to restore the Armenian element in Byzantium to its rightful state. In this paper, he will explore the various roles Armenians contributed to Byzantine society as Priests, Generals and Emperors, the latter holding the most significance with some of Byzantium’s most heroic figures arising from Armenian migration into the empire.

Toby Bromige is a Third Year PhD candidate at Royal Holloway, University of London, under the supervision of Professor Jonathan Harris. He attained his Bachelor of History from Royal Holloway in 2012 and his Master’s degree in Late Antique & Byzantine Studies from the University of London in 2013. His PhD research has been focused on the role of the Armenians in the Byzantine Empire, particularly within the years 950-1084.

Image: Miniature painting from the Psalter of Basil II (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, Venice) showing the Emperor in triumphal garb with the imperial crown handed down by Archangel Gabriel.