Byzantine Greece: Microcosm of Empire?: Papers from the Forty-sixth Spring Symposium of Byzantine Studies

This volume presents a structured presentation of the progress of research into the internal history of a part of the Byzantine world, Greece, in the centuries before the Fourth Crusade. It offers a rich source of comparative material for those studying the other regions of the Byzantine world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume presents a meticulously organized exploration into the internal history of a significant region within the Byzantine world, specifically Greece, during the centuries preceding the profound transformations brought about or expedited by the Fourth Crusade. Greece, as a vast expanse comprising numerous Early and Middle Byzantine provinces, boasts an unparalleled abundance of records, archival materials, literary sources, archaeological discoveries, architectural marvels, and art-historical artifacts. This remarkable richness presents a fertile ground for insightful synthesis and engaging dialogue with scholars currently engaged in rewriting or crafting the inner history of Byzantium, spanning from Italy to the Caucasus. These scholars have been motivated by and actively involved in the meticulous editing of archives and inscriptions, including sigillographic ones, as well as the publication of monumental discoveries, excavations, and surveys. The 'Greek space, or elladikê khôra, emerges as a distinct and highly productive focal point for these endeavors, as evidenced by the conference's proceedings.

While much of the material presented here is typically accessible only in specialized publications, and even more so in Greek, it is crucial to contextualize this information within the broader realm of Byzantine Studies. By integrating it into dialogues and debates centered around key topics such as the Late Antique 'boom, urbanization, the 'Dark Age,' economic transformations, the nature of the 'Byzantine revival,' and the dynamics of social, socio-economic, and ethnic groups, this volume ensures that the 'Greek space' is fully recognized as a valuable case study in the evolution of a significant region to the west of Constantinople. Moreover, it offers valuable frameworks for archaeologists who study Greece from Late Antiquity onward, fostering meaningful engagement and providing a rich source of knowledge.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume serves as a pivotal contribution to Byzantine Studies, shedding light on the internal history of Greece and its profound connections to the broader Byzantine world. By presenting a structured and meticulously researched account, it enables scholars and archaeologists to engage with this rich and complex region, fostering a deeper understanding of its historical development and its significance within the broader context of Byzantine history.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032551968