This Thematic Session will explore the general theme of the Congress, ‘Byzantium beyond Byzantium’, in terms of both the circulation of people and ideas between the Byzantine East and Rome (or Italy) and the transfer of manuscripts, texts, works of art, and artefacts between these regions. The papers will address the following topics: (1) The different phases of the complex ecclesiastical and diplomatic relations between Constantinople and Rome; (2) Analogies, differences and relations between the two capitals, beginning with aspects of their urban foundations, and more generally in all forms of artistic expression or craftsmanship in various media; (3) The presence of “Greek” monks, clergy, diplomats, scholars and artists in early medieval Rome.
This paper aims to investigate how the city of Rome and its monuments interacted with Byzantium during the proposed time period. In the mirroring between the two cities, churches, murals and artefacts played a decisive role in defining the identity of ancient Rome. Monks, popes and high-ranking laymen used Greek iconography, style, materials and insignia…
Some Roman monasteries between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages belonging to Eastern monks maintained close relations with Constantinople. A case in point is that of San Cesario on the Palatine hill, which was established in the ruins of the imperial palace, on which we will focus in particular. The “imports” of cults from…
Correspondence, historical sources and works on dialectics or doctrinal controversy reveal Pope Theodore’s personality. A “Greek” of Palestinian origin, he was a great exponent of the Roman ecclesiastical ruling class. A skilled pontiff, Theodore was active and tenacious in defending the prestige of the Roman See. He ranks alongside the former Patriarch of Jerusalem, Sophronius,…