Arguably the most important contribution of this work is the fact that Sarantis has proven that Justinian did conduct a Balkan policy. The author rightly observes that it was, to a large extent, based 'on the efforts and initiative of centrally appointed and loyal bishops, generals, civil administrators and itinerant architects' (398). The policy's success was the result of efforts of those people as well. Justinian's Balkan Wars not only successfully presents an overall picture of the situation but also critically establishes a number of meticulous details.

Alexander Sarantis. Justinian's Balkan Wars: Campaigning, Diplomacy and Development in Illyricum, Thrace and the Nothern World A.D. 527-65. ARCA: Classical and Medieval Texts, Papers and Monographs, 53. Prenton: Francis Cairns, 2016.

From Bryn Mawr Classical Review (BMCR). Review by Jan Prostko-Prostyński, Adam Mickiewicz University