107-104 Byzantium in the Sixth Century

Note

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Third year-usually 37.5 points at second/third year in Classics and Archaeology see Prerequisites. fourth year-usually admission to fourth year Honours see Honours entry.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The core of this subject is the continuity (or otherwise) of the classical tradition and the conflict between (and the fusion of) Christianity and Classicism. We see whether the successes and failures of the period, offer any explanation for the end of Antiquity and the beginnings of Medievalism and the Dark Ages of the Seventh Century. The period both one of confidence and achievement (the codification of Roman law, the invention of A.D. dating, the building of Hagia Sophia and other churches, the mosaics at Ravenna and elsewhere, the re-conquest of Vandal Africa and Gothic Italy) but also of fear and pessimism (Procopius Secret History, predictions of the end of the world, the plague of 542 and the Nika riots). Other topics include the survival of the amenities of the classical city (e.g. bathing and chariot-racing); the closing of Plato's Academy in 529, the increasing importance of icons; the Life of Saint Daniel, who lived for many years on top of a pillar and who was nevertheless consulted by the emperor on foreign policy; and the hymns of Romanos, arguably the greatest hymn-writer of the orthodox church).

Assessment

Written work totalling 2000 words, and a 2-hour examination for 3rd- year. Written work totalling 3000 words, and a 2-hour examination for 4th-year.

Prescribed Texts

• Procopius, Secret History. Penguin.
• R D Scott & E M Jeffreys, The Chronicle of John Malalas. AABS.
• E Dawes & N Baynes, Three Byzantine Saints. Mowbrays.
• J B Bury, History of the Later Roman Empire. (Vol 2) Dover.
• J Moorhead, Justinian. Longmans.
• Cameron, The Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity 395-600. Routledge.