Byzantine Studies is a study of inquiry devoted to the interdisciplinary study of the history and legacy of the Byzantine Empire (324–1453). It investigates the long-lived and influential Byzantine Empire. Topics within Byzantine Studies include political history, religious development (especially the Orthodox Church), legal systems, economic trends, architecture, literature, and artistic expressions like iconography.
Byzantine Studies and the study of religion are not separate entities, when properly understood, reveal the beauty and complexity of the Byzantine world. By embracing a holistic approach that considers the profound influence of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, we can gain a richer and more understanding of this fascinating and often misunderstood civilization.
Key Areas of Focus:
Byzantine Studies and the study of religion are not separate entities, when properly understood, reveal the beauty and complexity of the Byzantine world. By embracing a holistic approach that considers the profound influence of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, we can gain a richer and more understanding of this fascinating and often misunderstood civilization.
Key Areas of Focus:
- History: The political, social, and economic history of the Byzantine Empire.
- Culture: Byzantine art, architecture, literature, music, and daily life.
- Religion: The development and practices of Eastern Christianity, including theology and religious institutions.
- Interactions: The interactions of the Byzantine Empire with neighboring cultures, including the Islamic world, the Balkans, and the West.
