04360 - Byzantine History (M-Z)

Learning outcomes

To make the student aware of the role played by Byzantium in the making of medieval and modern Europe

Course contents

Analysis of the main aspects of the Byzantine history through a close examination of the following themes: 1) political ideology; 2) church; 3) monasticism; 4) burocracy and army; 5) education; 6) natural environment and economy; 7) Byzantium and the world around it.

Readings/Bibliography

Ostrogorsky G., Storia dell’impero bizantino, trad. it. Einaudi, Torino 1968 (ed. orig. Muenchen 1940). Although published in 1940s, the book remains for the Italian reader the clearest compendium of political history of the Byzantine empire. To be integrated, especially as regard to the development of the thematic organization, with the indications that will be provided by the teacher during class.

Teaching methods

Lecture

Assessment methods

The exam will be articulated in a written and oral test.
1) written test: paperwork concerning one of the themes which will be examineted during class to be delivered before the oral test.
2) written test: interview with the teacher aimed at assessing the basic notions of the discipline.

Teaching tools

Use of images through power-point presentations

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Cosentino