4.45 TS – Byzantine Influences in the Eastern Black Sea Littoral

During the Byzantine period, as well as throughout other historical epochs, the Eastern Black Sea region functioned as a dynamic space of interaction and mutual influence of various cultures and civilizations. The exploration of Byzantine influence—and the extent of its impact on the political, economic, and cultural development of this region—remains a key topic of scholarly discussion. The Thematic Session seeks to promote dialogue on the political, economic, and cultural relations between the Byzantine Empire and the medieval political entities of Western Georgia. The discussion draws on a wide range of sources, including written, ethnographic, linguistic, archaeological, numismatic, and cartographic materials. Particular attention is devoted to the socio-cultural dynamics of polyethnic societies that emerged through sustained interaction and cultural exchange in the Pontos and Eastern Black Sea during the Byzantine era. Participants will also address the ethno-geographical and political concepts of medieval Georgian society, as well as the sacred geography of this area. A significant aspect of the discussion concerns the identification and localization of ethno-geographical sites, archeological and other cultural heritage monuments, along with the correlation between Georgian (Kartvelian) settlement patterns and the territorial extent of the Georgian state in different medieval periods. Special attention will be paid to the development of ecclesiastical architecture of the Pontos and Eastern Black Sea and the creation of a comprehensive digital gazetteer of the region of the Byzantine period. The Thematic Session brings together scholars from multiple disciplines to exchange perspectives, evaluate recent research results, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the scope and significance of Byzantine influence on the socio-cultural development of the Eastern Black Sea region.