We Are Byzantine*
In a predictable cycle of desperately tragic human affairs
But to ask we reexamine history would be most wise.
Modern comforts, and widespread ignorance, lessen ‘who cares’.
In a predictable cycle of desperately tragic human affairs.
Long known evidence of perils ancient text often shares.
So, to avoid imminent collapse will take sober enterprise.
In a predictable cycle of desperately tragic human affairs
But to ask we reexamine history would be most wise.
73-words
*Which events led to the weakening of the Byzantine Empire?
- Civil wars.
- Fall of the theme system.
- Increasing reliance on mercenaries.
- Loss of control over revenue.
- The failed Union of the Churches.
- Crusaders.
- Rise of the Seljuks and Ottomans.
Victor Davis Hanson wrote a piece I read this morning on the similar circumstances the U.S. has with the former Byzantine Empire. It inspired my triolet. You can read the interesting and informative article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/victor-davis-hanson-are-we-the-byzantines/ar-AA18GgdQ
https://sammiscribbles.wordpress.com/2023/03/18/weekend-writing-prompt-303-enterprise/
Sillyfrog's Blog 
“Left and Right seem to hate each other more than they do their common enemies.” ~ from VDH’s article. I agree with this, but I see he goes on to criticize only one side, in the ultimate irony 😉
I think the extremes on each side are over emphasized in the media to promote the wished for division. Judging by the overwhelming large Left leaning bias in reporting, universities, and government agencies, compared to the Right leaning bias, that side fully deserves more criticism. It’s not even close to evenly split. 😉
I guess it depends which media you’re listening to. I fully support criticizing extremism wherever it arises, and I appreciate writers who can navigate that maze, as I’ve always been in the middle. Where I’m apt to get run over! 🙂
Well, ALL besides Newsmax, Fox News, and possibly The NY Post, is a BIG number. I find it funny how many topics and viewpoints are considered evenly worthy of consideration. Sometimes the “truth” cannot be so amicably ‘split’. Even most divorces usually have one partner less culpable of blame for the failure than the other. At least that’s what I have observed.
Yep, most media is very unbalanced. But it’s funny to me how he mentions the left/right hate, and then continues on to be unbalanced himself. I tend to notice these little writing “quirks”…
Great piece – I thought the main reason for its demise was the many failed wars including the civil war – what goes up has to come down at some point 🙂
Thanks for reading and your input. 😊👍
Yep. That’d be us. Well conceived. 🙂
Thank-you, Bill. I hate it when I’m right about such alarming things, though.
Number eight could be the Roman ( and the Byzantines persisted in calling themselves Roman) inability to maintain any sort of legitimate succession for more than a few emperors, and the nasty way they disfigured any claimants they found inconvenient – needling the eyes, slitting the tongue and drowning are the ones I seem to remember.
Yes… seems the similarities are many. Thank-you. 😉