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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Medyczne i religijne aspekty dbałości o bezpieczeństwo oraz dobrą kondycję wojsk bizantyjskich w świetle "Taktikonu" Leona VI

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Byzantine army in X century was one of the most complex and largest military machines in medieval history. Emperors and chieftains commanding this force had to care not only for the outcome of battles but also, and perhaps most importantly, for good condition and safety of the troops. Byzantine soldiers were expensive to train and equip so any losses would be harmful for the Empire, therefore some Emperors, Leo VI among them, created military treatises, that were basically handbooks for the Imperial army — fuli of regulations and recipes that would help commanders to lead and care for the army. Among many problems that treatises touched, two most important ones were conditions of health and soul of the soldiers. Tactica of Leo VI provides us with a great insight into Byzantine mind, to see how Imperial officers worked to maintain the army pure in soul and body.