Students will develop an understanding of the historical development of the Byzantine millennium, along with basic knowledge of the Empire’s social structures and ideological expressions, including those shaped by Eastern Christianity. They will also gain awareness of the cultural tradition that ensured the preservation of Hellenism and its transmission into the modern era, as well as of the Empire’s artistic developments, with particular emphasis on the central role of Constantinople in shaping the distinctive forms of Byzantine civilisation.
Applying Knowledge and UnderstandingStudents will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the historical progression of the Byzantine Empire, recognising its primary role in the medieval Mediterranean and its significance in preserving and transmitting ancient Greek civilisation. Through the study of historical, religious, artistic, and literary themes, students will develop the cultural awareness necessary to understand the medieval world as a crucial foundation for the modern and contemporary age.
Additional Learning OutcomesIndependent Judgement
A comprehensive view of medieval civilisation, enriched by a solid understanding of the cultural developments of Eastern Christianity, will enable students to achieve a critical perspective on the complex historical phenomena spanning from Late Antiquity to the early modern period. This will facilitate the recognition of interactions between cultures and societies across the wide geographical scope of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and the Near East.
Communication Skills
Students will be required to express their knowledge clearly and concisely, using appropriate terminology and demonstrating strong synthesis skills.
Learning Skills
Students will be able to apply, through independent study, the competences and methodological approaches of the discipline to further academic paths, as the complex phenomena of Byzantine civilisation are closely related to those of a broader historical and cultural continuum that extends into the modern age.
General knowledge of the history of the Middle Ages and of the geographical areas of the Mediterranean and the Near East
Teaching will be delivered through lectures covering the topics outlined in the course. Extensive use will be made of visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations, in order to provide effective summaries and iconographic examples, thereby supporting the theoretical discussion with appropriate practical illustrations. Where appropriate, the teaching process may be supplemented by interim assessments consisting of critical discussions on the topics addressed.
The examination consists of an oral test, during which the student will answer questions on the topics covered throughout the course.
Language of the examination: Italian. Upon agreement with the lecturer, the exam may also be taken in English.
Assessment will consider the student’s ability to present information clearly and concisely, using appropriate and accurate terminology. If required, students may be asked to prepare a PowerPoint presentation offering an in-depth analysis of a topic chosen from those proposed during the course.
REFERENCE TEXTS / BIBLIOGRAPHY
- A. Cameron, I Bizantini, Bologna 2008
- M. Di Branco, Breve storia di Bisanzio, Roma 2016
- M. Della Valle, Costantinopoli e il suo impero. Arte, architettura, urbanistica nel millennio bizantino, Milano 2015
PROGRAM
TOPICS:
1. outline of the history of the Byzantine Empire
2. Byzantine civilization: culture and art
3. Iconoclasm
4. Macedonian Renaissance
5. Comnenian empire
6. Latin Empire
7. Palaeologan Renaissance
8. recent archaeological discoveries in Istanbul
Italian
Nothing
