Topics in Byzantine and Islamic Art in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean

Within the framework of the course an outline of the main streams of the medieval culture developed around the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Basin will be given. The monumental topography of these areas will be examined focusing on the urban development of the coastal cities from the early Christian era to the Ottoman period. The examination of the area will be based on the testimony of the archaeological material, as well as on the standing monuments preserved in these regions. Several different types of monuments, both movable and immovable will be presented, such as fortifications, secular and religious monuments, works of art, mosaics, wall paintings, icons and minor arts, as the representative martyrs of the Byzantine and Islamic cultural heritage developed around the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Basin. During the course, the role of Constantinople, as capital and main political, economic, religious and cultural centre which influenced the culture developed in the wider area inside and outside the borders of the Empire, will be highlighted.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course the students will have gained:

• will have acquired a global knowledge about Byzantine and Islamic Art and Architecture developed in the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Basin

• will be able to identify the local characteristics and particularities of the architectural monuments and works of art made in different areas around the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Basin

• will have developed the capability to identify the influences among cultures developed in the wider area of the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Basin

• will be familiar with issues such as the dating of a Byzantine and/or an Islamic architectural monument or work of art and its study within the historical and archaeological context.