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 …
Many medieval Byzantines did not use a surname. How the individual chose his surname remained fluid for many years. It often referred back to the area or town where the family originated, or from a family profession or trait.
A great general, George Maniakes, is defeated by palace politics and an unlucky spear thrust.
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 …
1. You will not receive more than one email from me each month.
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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