Emotions through Time: From Antiquity to Byzantium

This volume explores ancient and Byzantine Greek emotions from a comparative and synoptic perspective, using methodologies from Classics, Byzantine Studies, and emotion history to uncover the complex interactions between the two cultures. It sheds new light on the Byzantine emotional universe and its impact on medieval and early modern culture, and investigates wider phenomena such as visual and material culture, performance, ritual, and the creation of emotional landscapes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 527 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2022
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

This groundbreaking volume is a pioneering exploration into the ancient and Byzantine Greek emotions, offering a comprehensive and synoptic perspective. Drawing upon the expertise of a distinguished international cast of 17 authors, the book employs a multidisciplinary approach, blending Classics, Byzantine Studies, and emotion history, to unravel the intricate interplay between ancient and Byzantine emotionology. Spanning a wide range of chapters, this comprehensive work sheds fresh light on the Byzantine emotional realm and its profound influence on medieval and early modern culture. It delves into the reception and adaptation of ancient emotion concepts in Byzantine sources, while also examining broader phenomena such as visual and material culture, performance, ritual, and the creation of emotional landscapes. Textual sources are given due prominence throughout, highlighting the richness and diversity of the Byzantine emotional tapestry. This volume is a vital contribution to the field, shedding new light on the complex and multifaceted nature of ancient and Byzantine emotions and their enduring impact on human society.

Introduction:
The study of emotions has long been a central concern in the fields of Classics, Byzantine Studies, and emotion history. This volume aims to contribute to this ongoing discourse by exploring the complex interactions between ancient and Byzantine emotionology. By employing a comparative and synoptic approach, the book seeks to uncover the shared themes, concepts, and practices that shaped the emotional experiences of these two cultural contexts.

Chapter 1:
In the opening chapter, the authors provide an overview of the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the development of ancient and Byzantine emotionology. They discuss the influence of Greek philosophy, literature, and religion on the emotional experiences of ancient Greeks and Byzantines, as well as the impact of political, social, and economic changes on their emotional lives. The chapter also highlights the key methodological challenges and opportunities that arise when studying emotions in these two cultural contexts.

Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 delves into the study of emotions in ancient Greek literature and philosophy. The authors examine the portrayal of emotions in epic poetry, tragedy, comedy, and lyric poetry, as well as the philosophical frameworks that underpinned these emotional expressions. They explore the role of emotions in the formation of Greek identity and the development of moral and ethical principles, as well as the ways in which emotions were manipulated and controlled in Greek society.

Chapter 3:
Chapter 3 explores the development of emotionology in Byzantine culture. The authors examine the influence of Christian theology and philosophy on the emotional experiences of Byzantines, as well as the role of emotions in Byzantine art, literature, and ritual. They discuss the emergence of emotional genres such as hagiography and romance, as well as the ways in which emotions were expressed and manipulated in Byzantine society.

Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 examines the reception and influence of ancient emotion concepts in Byzantine sources. The authors explore the ways in which Byzantine writers and scholars interpreted and adapted ancient Greek emotion theories to fit their own cultural and religious contexts. They discuss the impact of these interpretations on Byzantine literature, art, and ritual, as well as the ways in which they contributed to the development of Byzantine emotionology.

Chapter 5:
Chapter 5 explores the broader phenomena that shaped the emotional landscape of ancient and Byzantine societies. The authors examine the role of visual and material culture, performance, ritual, and the creation of emotional landscapes in shaping the emotional experiences of individuals and communities. They discuss the ways in which these phenomena contributed to the development of emotional norms and practices, as well as the ways in which they were contested and transformed over time.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and synoptic exploration of ancient and Byzantine Greek emotions. By employing a multidisciplinary approach and drawing upon a wide range of sources, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the emotional experiences of these two cultural contexts. The chapters shed new light on the Byzantine emotional universe and its impact on medieval and early modern culture, while also exploring the reception and influence of ancient emotion concepts in Byzantine sources. This volume is a valuable contribution to the field of emotion studies and will be of interest to scholars and students of Classics, Byzantine Studies, and emotion history.

Weight: 875g
ISBN-13: 9783161613418