Stay informed about the latest news and discoveries in the field of Byzantine archaeology!
The study of Byzantine archaeology plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the Byzantine world. Our knowledge of Byzantine history is heavily reliant on historical sources and archives, which are often incomplete due to the passage of time and political struggles. Byzantine archaeology is therefore particularly important for documenting periods and regions that are poorly represented in literary sources. It can also provide insight into the art, culture, and daily life of common people, who are often overlooked in sources written by aristocratic or ecclesiastical elites.
Despite the crucial role of archaeologists in shedding new light on the complex history of Byzantium and its borders, Byzantine archaeology has often been overlooked by scholars and researchers. This long-standing neglect can be attributed to political and nationalistic reasons, as well as the perception that the study of classical remains is more interesting or prestigious.
Let’s delve into the latest archaeological discoveries that are shaping our understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Byzantine Empire and its lasting impact on the world.
Unearthing Byzantium: Recent Archaeological Discoveries in the Byzantine Empire
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Archaeologists uncover physical evidence of the famed battle of Mantzikert
In an exciting discovery, archaeologists from the Mantzikert Battlefield Archaeological Project, led by Prof. Dr. Adnan Çevik, have uncovered physical remnants of the legendary Battle of Mantzikert (or Malazgirt). Supported by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and involving experts from Muş Alparslan University, this project offers a window into one of the most pivotal…
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Mosaic unearthed in the excavations of a byzantine monastery in Turkey
Archaeologists have unearthed a mosaic dating to the 5th or 6th century in the ruins of a monastery dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helena near Fatsa, Turkey.
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Discovery of an inscription of the Empire of Trebizond on Girasun island
Giresun Island is situated just 1.2 km (0.7 miles) off the city of Giresun, on the coast of the Black Sea. This city, very ancient, was named Kerasous and is famous for being the location from where cherries take their name from. As for the islands, it hosts several medieval ruins : fortifications, pithoi (huge…
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Discovery of a rare 1000-year-old Byzantine gold coin in the Norwegian mountains
While exploring the mountains of Vestre Slidre in southern Norway, a metal detectorist made a remarkable discovery—a pristine Byzantine gold coin, thought to originate from the late 10th or early 11th Century. A Byzantine gold histamenon nomisma. The Innlandet County Municipality revealed the discovery, heralding it as a remarkably rare histamenon nomisma, a solid gold…
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Remains of an iron-chained Byzantine Monk discovered in Israel
The archaeological discovery of the remains of a monk with iron chains illustrates the extreme ascetic practices of the Byzantine Era.
