This volume is a brief survey of the possible source materials used by historians wanting to present a history of the Byzantine world during the 8th and 9th centuries. It also highlights some of the problems inherent in attempting to interpret such materials in a historical context. '... insightful annotation and discussion of buildings and archeology, manuscripts [...], icons, sculpture, textiles, metalwork, coins and seals... all Byzantinists should own a copy.' Religious Studies Review '... a necessary, eminently useful, and reliable book... It is admirable in presenting material sources alongside written ones...' Speculum 'This fully interdisciplinary exercise makes a major contribution towards re-evaluating Byzantium's 'Dark Age'.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History