When Anastasius I came to the throne in 491, the Late Roman Empire was in severe difficulty. This book explores the complex interlocking reforms of Anastasius and examines the governance of the late fifth-century empire. It includes seven Appendixes, which discuss inter alia the primary sources, and the panegyrics of Priscian and Procopius.

Latin and Greek are given in the original and in translation; sources from other languages are quoted in English.

Introduction and historical background
The Isaurian Revolt
Eastern foreign policy
Western foreign policy
Religious policy: The search for compromise
Administration and domestic policy
Anastasius' building programme
Conclusion
Appendixes
Maps.