Anthropological and Cultural Aspects of Byzantine Diet

This project explores the anthropological and cultural dimensions of diet in Byzantine urban society, focusing on the transition from late antique pagan dining customs to Christian-influenced dietary practices. It investigates how communal dining, banqueting, and the celebration of abundance—central elements of Roman and pagan traditions—gradually gave way to Christian ideals of austerity, moderation, and asceticism, as advocated by ecclesiastical authorities, monastic figures, and saints.

Special attention is given to the contrasting diets of the poor and the wealthy, as reflected in historical narratives and literary representations. This contrast—between poverty-induced frugality and elite gastronomic excess—is often mediated through irony, parody, and satire. Such depictions may signify a “return” to late antique customs, function as markers of social and cultural distinction, or serve to display antiquarian knowledge and rhetorical sophistication. In many cases, the primary goal is the reader’s literary enjoyment, particularly using irony and satire.

For Publications – Dissemination, see Collective Works, Conferences, Events, Studies and Articles in the research area: Every day and Social Life of the Byzantines.