In the following book, constant references to the original historians have been added, in order to make the work serve, not only as a popular history, but also as an index for scholars who may be more familiar with classic literature than with the Byzantine writers. The Constantinopolitan era places the birth of Christ in the year 5509, and commences on the 1st September. Thus the 31st August, of the first year of the Christian era, is the last day of the year 5508 of the Constantinopolitan era. The Byzantine historians also use the Indiction as the common method of recording the year. This mode of notation commences from the 1st of September, a.d. 312, but no indication is given to determine the particular time beyond the year of the indiction, counting from 1 to 15, and then recommencing, unless the year of the world or some other synchronism be added.