22. Byzantium and the Rise of the Turks

In this book, Peter Frankopan delves into the intricate relationship between human history and environmental factors, spanning from the dawn of time to the present day. He discusses how climatic events, natural disasters, and human actions have interwoven to shape empires, civilizations, and the modern world. The book highlights the impact of environmental factors on historical events, such as the rise and fall of empires, and cautions about the current and future consequences of human actions on the climate. Frankopan's work is praised for its breadth, depth, and nuanced approach to environmental history[2][3][4].

In this book, Peter Frankopan offers a groundbreaking perspective on the First Crusade by shifting the focus from the traditional Western narrative to the Eastern Byzantine context. He highlights the political motivations behind Emperor Alexios I's call for help, which led to the Crusade. Frankopan's work challenges long-held assumptions about the origins and impact of the First Crusade, providing a nuanced understanding of this pivotal event in history.