The Decline of the Eastern, aka Byzantine, Roman Empire

I happened across an article about the decline of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire a week or so ago and found it quite interesting. It's called 'What Brought the Decline of the Eastern Roman Empire - and What Can We Learn from It?' by Lev Cosijns and Haggai Olshanetsky.

Basically, the authors contend that the supposed decline does not seem to be a result of climate change. Yes, a volcano exploded in Iceland in 536 AD (and others erupted throughout the following decade) and the volcanic dust, etc, did block the sun in various places and perhaps caused a lowering of temperature - maybe around the world, maybe not. But there aren't any textual records of this happening (dust veils and extreme cold) in the Eastern (Byzantine) empire in the mid 500's.

The authors note that first instance of the Justinianic plague in the Eastern Empire happened from 541 to 544. This supposedly caused the death of millions of people in the Mediterranean (and other) areas. However, the authors of the paper don't think the plague started the decline of the Eastern Empire. In fact they see the 6th C as one of prosperity with economic stability for the Eastern Empire.

Detail of a contemporary portrait of Justinian I in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna. Nice earrings! From worldhistory.org

I Am NOT A Kid Anymore and a Couple Other Things:

It's June 1st. Summer is almost here! I don't have much to offer for this week's Open Thread but if I didn't know before, I've definitely learned, I am not a kid anymore!

Rosalyn Carter has dementia. She's 95. Her husband, Jimmy, 98 years old, is in hospice care. I'm glad they have the ability and support to get the care they need. I wish everyone had it!

No pics of politicians, because we've seen them all already. So here's Alice, looking very regal, just after a very satisfying meal of goat grain.