Bosnian Phoenix

How Bosnia Saved Europe and Made Possible the Modern Age

Bosnia-Herzegovina is a small country thats had an amazing influence on the history of Europe and the world. It formed the heart of Shakespeares Illyria. For centuries, its people were a mainstay of the Roman Empire, providing it with elite troops and several of its greatest emperors. In Bosnian Phoenix, author Miljan Peter Ilich offers a novel and enlightening perspective on the astounding historical importance of Bosnia. He emphasizes the resilience of the country throughout its evolution from its ancient historical roots. Its territory has fluctuated, but the basic geographical extent of what is defined as Bosnia and Herzegovina has been remarkably stable for a long time. Ilich offers an understanding of the conflictual relations in Bosnia by analyzing the inadequately recognized centuries-long significance of that nation in regional and European affairs. For about a century, Bosnia took the lead in defending Europe from Turkish invasions and was a champion of religious liberty within the Christian world. Ilich maintains that since Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been a multiethnic society, its history aids in the understanding of social evolution in other multiethnic societies. The Bosnian story will be meaningful to people in other countries since, with increased globalization, the entire world is fast becoming one huge, complex, multiethnic society. Bosnian Phoenix addresses a host of myths about Bosnia and presents insight into this country and what it offers to the world.