INTRODUCTION TO BYZANTINE CIVILIZATION

The module introduces students to the history and culture of the Medieval Eastern Roman Empire from 330 to 1453: the Byzantine Empire. Byzantium, its history, and its culture constitute the other half of the medieval European world, encompassing not only the Greek-speaking world but also the entire Eastern part of the Mediterranean area (from the Balkans to Persia). The Byzantine Empire, lasting from late antiquity to the beginning of the modern era, witnessed, and at times played a leading role in, the shift and geographical displacement of economic and political powers from the West (the Roman Empire) to the East and back again (the resurgence of Western powers from the Crusades onwards). It was the primary actor in the process of safeguarding and reinterpreting classical culture (literature, legislation, philosophy, history, etc.), providing the intellectual environment that fostered the merging and cross-fertilization of Greek philosophy and Christian doctrine. Byzantium was not merely a bridge; it embodied both Eastern and Western, Classical and Medieval, Southern and Northern influences, drawing from both Greek and Latin traditions. The study of its complex civilization assists students in shifting perspectives, broadening their focus, and thinking outside the box.

A structured learning path, centered around readings from primary sources in English translation, will lead students through the history, literature, and civilization of the Byzantine millennium. This approach enables them to grasp not only the principal characteristics of this medieval empire but also to appreciate the Greek and Roman classical heritage that shaped Byzantine culture.

-A foundational understanding of the History of the Byzantine Empire and the capability to interpret its pivotal events within the broader scope of Medieval History,
-Proficiency in recognizing the key themes and primary genres of Greek literature (4th-15th century),
-A comprehensive comprehension of the influences and cultural legacy of the Byzantine Empire,
-Competence in situating the significant authors of Byzantine literature and their works within their respective contexts,
-Proficiency in employing a critical and independent approach to various sources, including primary and secondary materials, and cultivating analytical skills to evaluate this content autonomously.

It is advantageous to possess a comprehensive understanding of Greco-Roman history and classical literature.

• Introduction to Byzantium: Geography, Chronology, and Sources
• The Foundations of Byzantine Society: Roman and Greek Heritage
• Imperial Propaganda: From Constantine to Justinian
• Byzantine Politics: Emperors, Bureaucracy, and Court Life
• Byzantine Christianity: Religious Controversies and Hagiography
• The World of Byzantine Intellectuals: Poets, Novelists, Philosophers, Historians, and Scientists
• Byzantium and the Islamic World: Conflict and Interaction
• Byzantium and Western Europe: Relations and Influence
• The Fall of Constantinople and the Byzantine Legacy
• Byzantium in Contemporary Literature

Stathakopoulos, D., A Short History of the Byzantine Empire (London, 2014)
An anthology of primary sources in English translation and a comprehensive annotated bibliography will be provided on the Moodle platform.

EVERY STUDENT is required to submit a review of a monograph chosen from the list provided on Moodle *15 days prior to the examination*. Such review must encompass an overview of the most significant points raised by the author and a critical discussion of the text.
The student must:
1) Read the text carefully.
2) Summarize the key passages, in order to clarify the structure of the text and the arguments used by the author to support a thesis or to reconstruct an event/period.
3) Comment, also proposing useful bibliographic references to deepen the topic.
The review must be no longer than 4 pages, font size 12, single spaced, approximately 3,000 words (including notes), related to an additional reading agreed upon with the instructor.
The assessment weight of the examination is as follows: Oral exam 70% + Review 30%.
The oral exam will be evaluated based on:
1) Overall judgment.
2) Knowledge and understanding of the topics discussed.
3) References to historical studies and sources.
4) Oral presentation.
Top grade: 30/30 "cum laude" (passing grade: 18/30).

Taught classes and class discussions: students are expected to attend regularly and to complete assigned readings before each class.

English

oral