Byzantium as Bridge between West and East

Proceedings of the International Conference, Vienna, 3rd -5th May, 2012

edited by Christian Gastgeber and Falko Daim

Book cover: Byzantium as Bridge between West and East

Extent: 315 pages

Publisher: Austrian Academy of Sciences Press

Subjects: Classical Studies, Medieval Studies

Series: Denkschriften der philosophisch-historischen Klasse

Series volume number: 36

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(March 2015)

ISBN: 9783700176640

Price: $99.00

Out of stock

The international conference Byzantium as Bridge between West and East (3rd-5th May 2012) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences underlined the mediation role of Byzantium between the cultures in the West and East as well as of its own culture to the neighboring nations. This mediation was discussed not only in terms of influence, but also of receptive function, symbolized in its bridging role. Such a bridge was built also within Byzantium, in the transition from pagan to Christian culture. The proceedings which were supplemented by additional contributions of specialists underpin the importance of Byzantine culture and politics for an overall understanding of late Roman, medieval and early modern history and once again restore Byzantium from a romanticized oriental, distant, mysterious kingdom into European history and its cultural landscape.


The international conference Byzantium as Bridge between West and East (3rd-5th May 2012) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences underlined the mediation role of Byzantium between the cultures in the West and East as well as of its own culture to the neighboring nations. This mediation was discussed not only in terms of influence, but also of receptive function, symbolized in its bridging role. Such a bridge was built also within Byzantium, in the transition from pagan to Christian culture. The proceedings which were supplemented by additional contributions of specialists underpin the importance of Byzantine culture and politics for an overall understanding of late Roman, medieval and early modern history and once again restore Byzantium from a romanticized oriental, distant, mysterious kingdom into European history and its cultural landscape. Thus, the focus is particularly on its huge boost, its reception and its mediation between Europe and the East, in a never-ending process of mobility between Europe, Africa and Asia.

  • Edited by Falko Daim
  • Edited by Christian Gastgeber