This volume investigates the complex mechanisms of imperial legitimacy and dynastic succession within the Byzantine Empire through the lens of contemporary primary source accounts. Sviatoslav Dmitriev, a scholar specializing in Byzantine history and political culture, compiles and translates a series of critical texts that illuminate how emperors justified their rule and navigated the volatile landscape of court politics. By presenting these documents in translation, the work provides a framework for understanding the ideological foundations of the Byzantine state and the evolving relationship between the monarch, the church, and the aristocracy.

Scholars and students of medieval history frequently cite this work as a vital resource for accessing difficult-to-find primary source material in English. Experts highlight the clarity of the translations and the utility of the contextual notes for those researching the intricacies of Byzantine political structures.