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Courses

Winter Semester

ΙΕΠ 401 Introduction to the history of the Medieval West, 4-15 th century, (course), (ects5)

An introduction to the main themes of European Mediaeval History between the 4th and the 15th century. The backbone of the course will be the contrasting institutional development between the early, and the central and late middle Ages: decentralization of state authority up to the 11th century, centralization thereafter, and its impact on society. The role of the church, feudalization of society and the crusades, form part of this course. Special emphasis will also be given to the demography and economy.
The course is concluded by written examination. As an introductory course, its aim is the acquaintance by students of the basic facts, functions and structures that shaped the middle ages in western Europe, as well as the understanding of the main facts and developments that shaped the world of western Europe in the middle ages. As a result of this course, it is expected that students will acquire a basic idea of key factors, understand the significance of key terms, and be able to appreciate Latin terms which point to a changing world during the middle ages. The course takes the form of weekly lectures, and students are expected to take an exam after its completion. Presentation of an oral essay in class will give them an extra mark.

 

ΙΒΥ 229 Byzantium and Persia (Seminar), (ects5)

The Persian empire formed the chief rival of the Roman, later Byzantine empire in the east during the early period known as late antiquity. Their relations are characterized by long periods of peace but also significant periods of fighting. In the course of this seminar, an attempt will be made for students to familiarize themselves with developments of these relations by the study of some very important texts, notably the text of the historian Menander Protector, with regard to the treaty of A.D 562, which is the only surviving piece of ancient literature that contains minute details of a peace treaty. The principal aim of the seminar consists of the effort for students to consider in depth these relations, their problems and the basic levels of rivalry and agreement. An effort will be also made to understand the basic forms of structure of the Persian state which is less known to European scholars. A prerequisite is the good knowledge of at least one main European language. Students will be expected to write a detailed essay on a given subject and present basic results of their research orally, during bloc seminars at a special meeting of students and faculty of Byzantine history.

 

Summer Semester

ΙΒΥ 209 Middle Byzantine period-III: The Comneni and Angelli (1081-1204) (course), (ects5).

The time of the Comnenian and Angelli dynasties forms the last period of prestige and at the same time political decline for the Byzantine state before the disastrous consequences of the fourth crusade and the capture of Constantinople in 1204. Crucial subjects such as the schism of the churches, the crusades, the expansion of Turks and Normans, administrative changes and cultural life will be dealt with, during the course. Aims of the course are the acquaintance and detailed presentation of the characteristic tendencies of the time, and understanding the reasons which led to the fall and consequent radical transformation of the state. The course takes the form of weekly lectures, and students are expected to take an exam after its completion. Presentation of an oral essay in class will give them an extra mark.

 

ΙΒΥ 235 The age of iconoclasm A.D 717-843 (Seminar), (ects5)

The significant lack of sources and the important questions that arise, make the period of challenge to icon worship (717-843) make this period one of the most attractive in Byzantine history. An attempt will be made to understand in detail its main characteristics and the main focus will be in studying relevant Byzantine sources and possibly, related western ones. Principal aim of the seminar will be the appreciation by students of the different approach in east and west and the very serious consequences of the rise of Charlemagne and the growing power of Arabs and Bulgars. A prerequisite is the good knowledge of at least one main European language. Students will be expected to write a detailed essay on a political or theological subject assigned to them, and present basic results of their research orally, during bloc seminars at a special meeting of students and faculty of Byzantine history.