Best of Enemies.

BYZANTINE Empire, 527-1081; ABBASIDS; CALIPHATE; CHRISTIAN-Islam relations; CLASSICAL literature; INTERNATIONAL trade; BYZANTINE Empire; PRISONERS of war -- History; COMMERCE; HISTORY; GREEK history, 146 B.C.-323 A.D.; INTELLECTUAL life; HISTORY of the Islamic Empire, 750-1258; INTERNATIONAL relations

ISLAMIC Empire; GREECEReport Available

The article discusses the relationship between the Christian Byzantine Empire, or Byzantium, and the Muslim Abbasid caliphate, focusing on the period of about 750 to 1050. It comments on warfare and its religious justifications. The author also considers factors that mitigated hostilities, including diplomatic and commercial relationships. He particularly reflects on trade, the redemption and exchange of prisoners, and a shared admiration for the intellectual and literary legacy of ancient Greece.