The Byzantine Empire existed for 1,100 years and it was the longest political institution and empire in the middle ages. Yet many people have limited knowledge of it, other than with the word ‘Byzantine’ being synonymous for highly intricate, complex, and devious dealings. But how did this era really influence the rest of the world? We sat down with Toula Kritas, who is currently studying her Masters in Ancient History and specialising in Byzantine History, who was cordially invited to speak about that period.
The Byzantine Empire influenced, significantly, not just the West, but all of Eastern Europe as well as the Arabic countries, through the seventh, eighth, ninth centuries, culturally, spiritually and politically.
Unfortunately, this period is somewhat lost.
“Byzantine chronologically ‘sat’ between the brilliant ideal of the Classical World; Classical Greece, Rome and the Renaissance period, when all aspects of civilisation flourished. The adjoining periods were the dark ages. What’s even more fascinating is that the Byzantine Period had no dark ages within it. It actually continued on and grew further, unlike its unfair negative portrayal in the most recent couple of decades. It is starting to get some more appreciation without the prejudices that it had in the past”, says Ms Kritas.
According to history, the Byzantine era has influenced the modern world in many different ways.
“From a religious perspective, most of the world doesn’t realise the religious significance of the East. Many of the decisions and debates that established the belief system of the Christian faith occurred here. In respect to tradition, the Byzantines were the continuers of the ancient world and the Roman Empire. Many of the Byzantine scholars who moved to the West, prior and after the Fall of Constantinople, were the catalysts of the Renaissance,” says Ms Kritas.
On the other hand, the Byzantine Empire today is still perceived by most as a patriarchal society. However, women actively participated in many aspects and spheres of Byzantine society although to an extent, these were limited to the upper classes. It’s also this role of strong and dynamic women during these times that haven’t been exposed.
It is obvious that women had a very active role in Byzantine society and the ‘Byzantine Women’ presentation, which took place at the Greeks of Egypt & Middle East Society Hall on Wednesday 29 April, explored exactly that: the lives of empresses, saints, nuns, and as well, the ‘ordinary’ everyday Byzantine woman.
Subjects included extraordinary women such as Empress Theodora and her life prior and after marrying Emperor Justinian. Through professional journals we can conclude that Theodora was a strong woman with a social conscience that strengthened the rights of women.
“Theodora was crowned an empress. She was a co-ruler and played an integral part in the decision making process by assisting Justinian I in reforming the laws of the Byzantine Empire, known as ‘The Justinian Code’, says Ms Kritas. It is commonly known that, under Justinian and Theodora’s rule, the Byzantine Empire flourished and prospered in many ways.
Other women included Empress Irene, who reigned as a sole ruler for a number of years, female saints and their healing shrines, the first female historian Anna Komnena, hymnographer Kassiani and others.
Their focus on spirituality was very strong. They focused on learning and highlighting the positive aspects of tradition and the honouring of heritage. They felt connected and respected their heritage.
“One of the things we can learn from that era, in addition to history, is how similar the issues we face today are with those back then. We can use this knowledge and apply it to our own methods of handling multi-ethnic and multicultural societies. Thus, not repeating the same mistakes and learning from the past,” concludes Ms Kritas.
Whether you have an interest in the Byzantine Empire or simply a genuine interest in history and culture, it was a great opportunity to meet some of these fascinating and often un-celebrated citizens.