After these Montesquieu wonders how was it possible for such a state to last for over a millennium! He explains this as a consequence of the impotence of Byzantium’s enemies, of the liquid fire, a weapon that burned the ships of its enemies, of its naval force and of its financial abilities.
I won’t go on discussing Montesquieu’s views, except for his comments on the influence of religion. Let us admit that he is right, although he is not, let’s say that if Byzantium was not religious in such a degree and manner, it might not have fallen. Then, what would we have today? All of Byzantium’s glory is in the love of God and learning. Without that, we would have today just a super power, ready to devour everything, thirsty for even more power, i.e. we would have today what we ourselves try to create. Most of Montesquieu’s accusations against Byzantium are a praise in my ears.
Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline (the text is complete but with editorial problems, be careful, or get it from Amazon in English or French)
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