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Description
A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities: Strange Tales and Surprising Facts from History's Most Orthodox EmpireWeird, decadent, degenerate, racially mixed, superstitious, theocratic, effeminate, and even hyper literate, Byzantium has long been regarded by many as one big curiosity. According to Voltaire, it represented "a worthless collection of miracles, a disgrace for the human mind"; for Hegel, it was "a disgusting picture of imbecility." A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities will churn up these old prejudices, while also stimulating a deeper interest among
Weird, decadent, degenerate, racially mixed, superstitious, theocratic, effeminate, and even hyper-literate, Byzantium has long been regarded by many as one big curiosity. According to Voltaire, it represented "a worthless collection of miracles, a disgrace for the human mind"; for Hegel, it was "a disgusting picture of imbecility." A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities will churn up these old prejudices, while also stimulating a deeper interest among readers in one of history's most interesting civilizations. Many of the zanier tales and trivia that are collected here revolve around the political and religious life of Byzantium. Thus, stories of saints, relics, and their miracles-from the hilarious to the revolting-abound. Byzantine bureaucracy (whence the adjective "Byzantine"), court scandals, and elaborate penal code are world famous. And what would Byzantium be without its eunuchs, whose ambiguous gender produced odd and risible outcomes in different contexts? The book also contains sections on daily life that are equally eye-opening, including food (from aphrodisiacs to fermented fish sauce), games such as polo and acrobatics, and obnoxious views of foreigners and others (e.g., Germans, Catholics, Arabs, dwarves). But lest we overlook Byzantium's more honorable contributions to civilization, also included are some of the marvels of Byzantine science and technology, from the military (flamethrowers and hand grenades) to the theatrical ("elevator" thrones, roaring mechanical lions) and medical (catheters and cures, some bizarre). This vast assortment of historical anomaly and absurdity sheds vital light on one of history's most obscure and orthodox empires.Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 10/02/2017
ISBN: 9780190625948
Pages: 248
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 1.00d
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4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 12 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
The most engaging interactive toy for my Border Collie
Color: Orange, Color: Orange
My Border Collie is not a big ball player. He prefers tug type games and actually gives me a look like, “Are you stupid? I’m not going to keep bringing that to you if all you’re going to do is throw it away again!” after about the third time I throw a ball for him to fetch. However, I can only play tug so often and I need him to be entertained and engaged as much as possible.
I got him a smaller, non-padded ball like this hoping he would like the interactive aspect of it. He did- he actually loved it! But it was loud, hard on his teeth, would come apart periodically, and he kept hitting the off button when playing with it. It drove me crazy. This one is so much better overall! The soft outer shell is not only easier on his teeth, but it is super resilient to biting and chewing. He actually likes to carry this thing around in his mouth while it’s bouncing and vibrating.
The three modes give great flexibility for different kinds of play. His favorite is the most active mode: the ball reacts to touch and practically bounces itself across the floor when he touches it with his paw or mouth. I will point out that in one of the modes, I thought the battery wasn’t charged or there was a motor issue because it’s very subdued movement; however, it’s just set up as a low-key option. Be sure to check out each mode to see which works best for your dog at different times.
I can’t say enough about this ball- I have been so pleasantly surprised by how much he loves it. The rechargeable feature is super convenient, it’s big enough to not get stuck under the couch, and it automatically shuts off based on whichever mode it’s set on. As the owner of a busy, super-smart dog who needs to be engaged in mental and physical activity, I think this all is worth every penny. In fact, I’m buying one for a friend who has a Border Collie pup with lots of energy to burn! I highly recommend this toy- it’s the most engaging toy I’ve found that Finn will play with on his own.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
★★★★★ 2
Not as Smart or Interactive as You Think it Will Be
Color: Blue
This is an honest review from a schnauzer owner who has has wanted this cheerble ball for their dog for more than one year. I finally bougI finally bought this toy and both me and my dog are disappointed. The settings are...i would say dog friendly as I'd assumed a dog ball would be. What I mean by that is, for example: the calm play setting is muuch too calm. Super light puffs of energy, like a battery is dying. And the playful setting is scary, alarmingly so. The intervals in between are too long. The ball does not bounce. So they just have settings all wrong. The size is good for a large dog only. Do not buy if you have a small to medium dog. I even think the material is okay. I've only had it for a few days so I can't even speak to how the material holds up. Really hoping to love this ball for my dog. It was not the distraction I was hoping it would be so I could work from home while my dog had fun. I'm hoping this can help someone else who's been pining over it. Essentially, it's a $35-$50 well made weighted ball that moves occasionally.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Nice Ball!!
Size: 6 Inch, Color: Red, Size: 6 Inch, Color: Red
Brinkley my Golden doodle loves her ball. Carries it everywhere. Its holding up pretty well. And the tabs make it easy to play tugga war.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Boston terrier
Size: 6 Inch, Color: Red
My bostie loves to grab the tabs and toss this around! Well made. Can be chewed on and it holds up. Fun toy.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Wonderful
Size: 9 Inch, Color: Red
Just bought my second one for my German shepherd. 1st one I bought a year ago. She managed to pop it within a few days. She still was able to play with it by grabbing ahold of the straps. Takes it everywhere. We call it her tether ball. Should've seen her when we got the new one out of the box. Hasn't left it alone since.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
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