Abstract
The soldiers naturally became fearful and wondered if thunder was an evil omen of imminent death. The wise general, however, sent word to his soldiers that the thunder was not against his army or his soldiers, but was a warning shot against their enemies. In Polyaenus’ story, there is no mention of ‘God’ whatsoever, whilst in Leo’s rendition, divine activity is explicitly credited: ‘God has sent the thunder.’ Leo’s Tactics is ground-breaking in several ways: it mentions the Muslims for first time in context of Byzantine military strategy, carries the force of imperial law, and uses consciously ideological language. Leo’s work expanded the ideological emphasis of armies accustomed to superficial religious battle cries, and extended his military theory to include civilian financial support of a Christian society for Christian soldiers fighting on behalf of Christians. For him, Byzantine military success finds its true foundation in Christian theology and the advantages that accrue to those who believe in Orthodox Christian God.
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