D0593 - STORIA DEL MEDITERRANEO BIZANTINO

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide foundational knowledge of the historical processes that shaped the coastal and insular societies of the Eastern Mediterranean between the 4th and 15th centuries. It focuses in particular on the analysis of their institutions, environmental and settlement landscapes, economy, and ethnic composition (especially significant after the 12th century), emphasizing their interactions with Islamic culture and with the Latin powers that emerged in the Mediterranean from the 13th century onward. By the end of the course, students will acquire an understanding of the distinctive role played by the Mediterranean space in the development of the Byzantine Empire, as well as the significance of its maritime cultural heritage in the historical formation of modern Europe

Course contents

The course is divided into two parts: (1) an introductory section (18 hours) devoted to the history of the eastern Mediterranean between the fourth and the twelfth centuries; and (2) a 12-hour documentary focus, consisting of the reading (in translation) and commentary of a selected primary source.

 

Introductory Section

This section examines the defining features of the maritime world of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, tracing its transformation from a politically unified space into a region characterised by shared hegemony and socio-economic interaction among Byzantines, Muslims, and Latins. Particular attention will be paid to the concept of Mediterranean history, the Muslim expansion between the seventh and the ninth centuries, the role of coastal cities and the major islands, as well as issues relating to maritime trade and navigation.

 

Documentary Focus

This section is devoted to the reading and commentary of De Ceremoniis, Book II, Chapter 45, by Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. The text contains a detailed inventory of the military forces and equipment employed during the unsuccessful expedition to reconquer the island of Crete, led by Constantine Gongyles in 949.

Readings/Bibliography

Reading List (introductory section)

― H. Pirenne, Mohammed and Charlemagne, Italian trans. with a preface by O. Capitani (Rome–Bari, 1996), or earlier Italian editions.

― D. Abulafia, The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean, Italian trans. (Milan, 2013 or later editions), 209-321.

 

Reading List (documentary focus)

― J. F. Haldon, ‘Theory and Practice in Tenth-Century Military Administration: Chapters II, 44 and 45 of the Book of Ceremonies’, Travaux et Mémoires, 13 (2000), pp. 218–325.

― S. Cosentino, ‘Naval Warfare: Military, Institutional and Economic Aspects’, in Y. Stouraitis (ed.), A Companion to the Byzantine Culture of War, ca. 300–1204, pp. 308–355.

 

For non-attending students, in addition to the cited bibliography, the following reading is recommended: Guglielmo Cavallo (a cura di), L'uomo bizantino, Roma-Bari 1992.

Teaching methods

The introductory part of the course consists of a series of traditional lectures in which the instructor will present, with the support of PowerPoint images, the major developments in the history of the Byzantine Mediterranean from the fourth to the twelfth century. The second part is organized as a seminar. In this section, the instructor will read, translate, and comment on a particularly significant primary source, encouraging students to develop an understanding of—and engage in discussion about—the methodological approaches and scholarly language of historical research.

P.S. Foreign students wishing to follow the course are required to have a knowledge of Italian of at least level B 2.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Assessment methods

An oral test is required to pass the examination.

 This consists of an assessment of both introductory and documentary focus sections.
 
The final mark of the exam is determined by the following scores: max. 18/30 for the introductory section; max. 12/30 for the documentary focus section. 

The final grade will be based on the relevance and accuracy of responses, appropriate use of the technical terminology related to the course, coherent and logical argumentation, and the ability to demonstrate critical thinking—that is, the capacity to identify connections, similarities, and differences among historical phenomena.

Teaching tools

— Translation of sources

— power-point presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Cosentino