Byzantine History

HTY 2030

This course is a systematic introduction to the history of the Eastern Roman Empire. From the early fourth century to well beyond 1453 CE, the Empire was an active and often challenging factor in all developing European processes. Through lectures, discussions, multimedia presentations, and student presentations, participants will study the prehistory of Byzantium, the epochs of Late Antiquity and the mature Empire (including a detailed explanation of the imperial state ideology), the Crusades, and the decline and fall of the Empire. This course will also cover noteworthy events and issues in the “Byzantine Commonwealth,” including the formation of the world of the “Orthodox Slavs,” the “Moscow Third Rome” doctrine, and others.