Category Archives: Byzantine Travel

Ravenna – the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Posted on August 23, 2020 by proverbs6to10

I follow Peter Webscott’s Wordscene blog with great interest. Peter and I have been in contact over the years and I bow to the superior, and original, quality of his work. Ravenna is one of my favourite places. A lovely … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel, Mosaic Hunting Italy 2009, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Mystras

Posted on May 20, 2018 by proverbs6to10

The city of Mystras, the historic place where the last Byzantine emperor was crowned, now sits abandoned on the steep slopes of the Taygetus Mountains that tower over the Laconian plain. The ruins that remain transport visitors through a breathtaking, … Continue reading →

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Holidaying in Amalfi and finding Byzantium

Posted on June 8, 2016 by proverbs6to10

When we think of the Amalfi coast most will think of spectacularly beautiful, and fashionable towns clinging to precipitous rock faces, expensive hotels, and maybe even the odd film star walking the streets of Amalfi or Positano. Made popular as … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel, History, Icons | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

In Bulgaria, Roman Grandeur East of Italy

Posted on October 17, 2012 by proverbs6to10

The Balkans define the meeting of East and West, between what we know as the Western Roman Empire and the so-called Byzantine Empire. The fault line of history and different religious orthodoxies, A true melting pot of cultures which has … Continue reading →

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West Meets East: Looking for Byzantium in Italy

Posted on July 25, 2012 by proverbs6to10

If you want a change from reports of British cycling success in the Tour de France (well done Wiggo!) or the Olympics, then you could follow the exploits of PhD student Frank McGough as he tours round Italy this summer … Continue reading →

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Church of Saint Georgi (George), Kurbinovo, Prespa, Republic of Macedonia

Posted on July 22, 2012 by proverbs6to10

I made a recent visit to beautiful Lake Ohrid to walk parts of the Via Egnatia and to see as many of the famous churches and icons as possible. A local guide recommended a visit to one of the least … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel, Icons, Via Egnatia | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Recent wordscene posts about Mystras

Posted on May 13, 2012 by proverbs6to10

We have recently featured some of Peter Webscott’s posts from his blog ‘wordscene‘. He mailed me a few days ago to highlight a couple more about Mystras. I hope you enjoy them. They include some good original photographs. Mystras: last … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Byzantium and Islam Age of Transition March 14–July 8, 2012

Posted on March 14, 2012 by proverbs6to10

This new exhibition in New Yorks’ Metropolitan Museum looks like it will be a cracker. If you are in the city over the next few months do visit and tell us what you think. From the Met’s site …. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Events, Byzantine Travel, Byzantium in the News, History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

What Byzantine related sites would you visit in Central Europe?

Posted on March 11, 2012 by proverbs6to10

Can we help Alex plan a ‘Byzantine pilgrimage’ to central Europe this summer? Add your suggestions and comments … Hi Tom, Great site. I’ve been studying Byzantine history for some years now and the site adds interesting facets to my … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Qsar-Libya a Byzantine oasis in the Libyan desert

Posted on October 27, 2011 by proverbs6to10

These mosaics are from the sixth century. Some lovely pictures from the ancient church of  Qsar-Libya. (the ancient city of Theodoureas). The city was rebuilt by Justinian in the name of his wife Theodora. The curious thing about this archaeological … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel, History | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Mystras: A haven of Byzantine civilization

Posted on May 13, 2011 by proverbs6to10

In 1249, William II of Villehardouin, the Frankish ruler of the Peloponnese, began building Mystras, a fortress on a steep foothill on the northern slopes of Mt Taygetos, 6 kilometers northwest of the present-day town of Sparta, the capital of … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The wonder that is Ohrid

Posted on February 4, 2011 by proverbs6to10

I suppose it is a good thing to aim to be objective in life. It shows wisdom and maturity, and an ability to balance all the arguments. For me however, all objectivity vanishes when I think of Ohrid! The setting … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel, Radio & TV Programmes, Via Egnatia, Video | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Mani: A Guide and History by John Chapman

Posted on September 3, 2010 by proverbs6to10

I came across this excellent site a while back and posted it on my Patrick Leigh Fermor blog. John Chapman, the creator of the site and its content,  is an academic whose interests include Byzantine history. He got in touch with me … Continue reading →

Posted in Byzantine Travel | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Can you help? The relevance of the monogram embroidered on Byzantine over-cloaks

Posted on August 9, 2010 by proverbs6to10

Given that we have a pretty wide readership, and many of you are academics, I wonder if anyone can answer a question posed by blog correspondent Dave about monograms that appear in mosaics, particularly at Ravenna. If you can help … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog News & Updates, Byzantine Travel, Mosaic Hunting Italy 2009 | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Join in the dig at ancient Stobi, Macedonia with Balkan Heritage Field School!

Posted on June 20, 2010 by proverbs6to10

In 2010, The Balkan Heritage Field School is offering you the opportunity to participate in different digs and expeditions connected to the Byzantine culture in Southeastern Europe. You can make Byzantium ‘live’ for you today; by continuing your archaeological studies … Continue reading →

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