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Chivalry and the Rise of Military Aristocracy
Over time, chivalry changed from an institution meant to protect the weak into a system that often oppressed ordinary people. Initially designed to defend...
The Dark Side of Chivalry
While chivalry is often remembered for its bright displays of armor, tournaments, and noble deeds, its darker aspects cannot be ignored. The reality of...
Chivalry and Religion
In many histories of chivalry, the role of knights as defenders of the Christian religion is praised as one of the institution’s greatest achievements....
Influence of Western Painting on Post-Byzantine Icons
In post-Byzantine icon painting, artists sometimes used techniques and styles from Western European painting. Specific examples include linear perspective or pseudo-perspective, which create the...
Icon Painting Instructions in Hermenia
The Hermenia, written by Dionysios of Mount Athos, provides detailed instructions for painting religious scenes. For example, it includes guidance on how to paint...
Thalia Gouma-Peterson’s Perspective on Byzantinising
Another important view on this subject is offered by Thalia Gouma-Peterson. She explains the term “byzantinising” mainly from an art historical point of view....
Defensive Works at the Bucoleon Palace
Some historians, including Labarte and Schlumberger, argue that Emperor Nicephorus Phocas surrounded the Palace of Bucoleon with special defensive works, effectively making it a...
Heraclius and the Defence of Hormisdas
As mentioned earlier, in 610, Heraclius appeared with a fleet before Constantinople to end the tyranny of Emperor Phocas. At that time, the quarter...
Transition from Hormisdas to Bucoleon
The name “Palace of Hormisdas” gradually disappears around the same time the term “Bucoleon” begins to appear. This supports the idea that both names...
Was There More Than One Basilike Pyle?
A key question now arises in the study of the Basilike Pyle, or Imperial Gate. Do Byzantine writers describe this gate in ways that...
