Incense burner in the shape of a church, C10-11, silver, partially gilded. 36 cm

San Marco, Venice

Image here via: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/byzantium-330-1453

Although the western Roman Empire fell in the 5th century AD, the eastern half continued on for another thousand years - at one time ruling provinces in Africa, Asia, and Europe.  It became known to westerners as the Empire of Byzantium, and its great capital was the city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul).  Here the grandeur of Greece and the glory of Rome fused into a unique Christian culture. This course will give an overview of that empire's history, as well as its extraordinary art and culture.

NB This is a WEA course, and can only be booked directly with the WEA. For further details and booking, please follow this link.

Please also note that this is a truncated version of the first half of the Byzantium day school (via WEA) and taster course (freelance). If you’ve attended one of those, you’ll already know what Robert will be covering in this session.