IMC 2015: Sessions

Session 1524: The Empire of the Palaiologoi: Ruin or Renewal?, I - Cultures in Transition

Thursday 9 July 2015, 09.00-10.30

Sponsor:	Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art & Culture, Massachusetts
Organisers:	Christopher Hobbs, Department of History, Royal Holloway, University of London Brian McLaughlin, Hellenic Institute, Royal Holloway, University of London
Moderator/Chair:	Christopher Hobbs, Department of History, Royal Holloway, University of London
Paper 1524-a	Aristocratic Costumes in Funerary Portraits in Mystras: Syncretic Cultural Trends in the Late Palaiologan Despotate of Morea (Language: English) Andrea Mattiello, Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman & Modern Greek Studies, University of Birmingham Index terms: Art History - General, Art History - Painting, Byzantine Studies
Paper 1524-b	The Common Good?: Philanthropy, Piety, and Politics in the Palaiologan Era (Language: English) Brian McLaughlin, Hellenic Institute, Royal Holloway, University of London
Paper 1524-c	Preventing the Ruin: The Role of Palaiologan Empresses and Noble Women (Language: English) Petra Melichar, Institute of Slavonic Studies, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague Index terms: Art History - General, Byzantine Studies, Women's Studies
Abstract	The entry of Michael VIII Palaiologos into Constantinople in 1261 seemed to herald a new beginning for the Byzantine empire. Although it is easy to point to the empire’s ultimate demise, more recent scholars have shown that old narratives of decadence and decline are misguided. Astonishing feats of adaptation can be seen, alongside intense intellectual, literary, theological, and artistic energy. The Palaiologan period saw the blossoming of new ideas, intense self-examination and unprecedented cultural engagement. This session examines different aspects of change in Palaiologan society, highlighting their unique contributions to Byzantine culture. It also aims to help redress the frequent under-representation of late Byzantium at the IMC.