In his book, "The Romans in Their Politics, Civilization, Religion, Culture, and Relations with the Arabs," the great historian Asad Rustum presents a comprehensive study of the Byzantine Empire (the State of Rum), which constituted a fundamental pillar of medieval history for more than eleven centuries. The book opens a window into the major transformations that Byzantium experienced; from a sprawling empire spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa, to a small state limited to Constantinople and a few cities. The author explores the empire's internal politics, its religious conflicts, from resistance to Christianity to its adoption as the official religion, and its wars with the Persians, barbarians, and Arabs, which reshaped the maps of the world. He also sheds light on its rich civilization, arts, and culture, as well as its intertwined connections with the Arabs, whether through alliances or wars, which made it a key player in shaping the history of the region. With an engaging style and solid scholarly analysis, Rustum presents an indispensable book for understanding the dynamics of the Middle Ages and the Arabs' relationship with their Byzantine neighbors.

أسد رستم (1897–1965م) مؤرخ لبناني بارز، يُعد من مؤسسي المنهج التاريخي الحديث في العالم العربي. درس في الجامعة الأمريكية ببيروت وتخرج فيها أستاذًا. كتب عشرات الكتب عن التاريخ الإسلامي والعربي والبيزنطي. وكان له دور في ترسيخ قواعد البحث الأكاديمي في التاريخ.