Byzantine Culture

The section Byzantine Culture includes ongoing projects conducted either independently or within the context of collaborative research and broader scholarly or cultural activities, supported by both national and European funding. These activities encompass a wide range of specialized research fields related to the study, promotion, and documentation of Byzantine culture, providing valuable data that enhance the understanding of Byzantine society, religion, art, and intellectual life.

The various projects approach both traditional and less explored fields of Byzantine research: from the history of Byzantine literature and the interpretation of works of art (wall paintings, micro-artwork), to alchemy and the study of emotion. Also of particular interest are projects that focus on everyday life and cultural practices – e.g. the study of diet, everyday objects, etc. – as well as those that examine the interaction of institutions and intellectual life, such as the relationship between the Church and learned scholars during the late medieval era. In this way, aspects of the material and immaterial culture of Byzantium are approached, examining how literature, science, philosophy, art and religion contribute to the formation and expression of Byzantine social structures. The contribution of archaeological documentation is equally significant, as it sheds light on aspects of material culture during the Byzantine period, thus supporting the discovery and understanding of the period.

Particular emphasis is placed upon modern methods and technologies, such as digitization and geo-informatics applications. These innovative technologies enable the creation of new tools for studying Byzantine culture, facilitating access to data and visualizing information that was previously difficult to obtain. The projects thus explore and offer new readings of the past on the basis of contemporary scientific and social challenges, promoting the knowledge and understanding of Byzantine Culture.