Description
Book SynopsisThe postal system of the Byzantine Empire, the cursus publicus or dromos, was a pony express-style system of routes and relays, capable of moving messages at up to 100 miles (160 km) per day. In this fascinating book, Jason Fossella describes the infrastructure, operations, and administration of the dromos. Drawing on sources as varied as papyri, seals, inscriptions, and ancient histories, the author examines how the dromos was integrated into Byzantine society and influenced the development of Byzantine diplomacy, ceremony, and religion, demonstrating that it played a key role in the development of Byzantine imperial power.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsI List of Tables and FiguresII AbbreviationsI Introduction 1 The Late Roman cursus publicus (Sixth and Seventh Centuries) 1 Operations and Infrastructure 2 The cursus publicus in Late Roman State and Society 2 The Byzantine dromos (762–1204) 1 Operations and Infrastructure 2 The dromos in Byzantine State and Society Conclusions Appendix 1: Minor Officials of the dromos 1 Prōtonotaries 2 Chartularies 3 Other Officials Appendix 2: Logothetes of the dromos Appendix 3: Seals Appendix 4: A Note on the Date of Leo Rhabdouchos’s Tenure as Logothete Bibliography Primary Sources Secondary Literature Index
