For those of you interested in 11th century Byzantium, here is an excerpt from my novel, Imperial Passions – The Porta Aurea. This scene takes place in the church of the great monastery of St. John Stoudion. The monastery was not far from the Porta Aurea (Golden Gate) of Constantinople. It marks the end of …
I have mentioned a number of relatively well-known 11th century Byzantines in my previous blogs. They include Empresses Zoe and Theodora; Constantine IX Monomachos; several great historians; Nikephoros Byennios; and others. Now, I will turn your attention to some of the lesser-known individuals of that century. These men and women were important in the empire’s …
Lesser Known 11th Century Byzantines – Part 1: John the Orphanotrophos and his Brothers Read More »
Constantine IX Monomachos was a profligate spender who fatally weakened the Byzantine Empire.
Byzantine women in the 11th and 12th centuries received an education and had opportunities for influence and power.
Once upon a time, in the distant city of Constantinople that was the golden capital of the Roman Empire in the 11th century, lived Princess Zoe. Unfortunately, Zoe’s story diverges from the usual fairy tales with their happy endings. Our Zoe was not a young princess when the story opens. In fact, she was about …
Three great Byzantine historians – Michael Psellos, Michael Attaleiates, and John Skylitzes
These two distant civilizations impacted each other in important ways in the 11th century. They also fought pivotal battles whose consequences are felt even today.
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2. It may be contentious, but I may discuss Byzantine politics from time to time. Amateurish modern politics will never be discussed.
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