Introduction to Byzantine History, Culture, and Historiography

Understanding the Byzantine Empire is essential for grasping the development of medieval Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Eastern Christian world. This foundational course guides you through the complex political, religious, and cultural landscape of Byzantium while introducing the core analytical methods used in modern Byzantine studies. You will gain a well-rounded appreciation of the Byzantine legacy, learning to evaluate historical events, artistic traditions, and primary written sources with clarity. What you'll learn: - Understand key terminology and major historical periods from late antiquity to the fall of Constantinople. - Explore the defining elements of Byzantine culture, including art, architecture, literature, and religious philosophy. - Analyze primary historical texts and understand how manuscripts are evaluated by scholars. - Examine the political and social challenges that shaped the state. - Learn modern historiographical approaches, including how digital archives assist contemporary researchers. The course begins with foundational concepts and chronologies before moving into detailed studies of culture, governance, and source analysis. Designed for beginners and history enthusiasts, this course requires no prior background in medieval history. Begin your journey into Byzantine studies today.