Mistra as alterum Byzantium

Abstract

This research addresses the history of Mistra, which in the Late Byzantine Period was the capital of the Despotate of Morea and the Byzantine stronghold in the Peloponnesos. The historians have interpreted Mistra, which appeared in the thirteenth century, as one of the “new cities/towns,” which shaped with no concern to classical architectural tradition. The feature of historical development of Mistra was determined by its position at a distance from the seacoast combined with the natural landscape factor, as the city appeared at a hillside. This influenced the city-planning regulations, the nature of the private and public urban buildings, and the architectural features. Nevertheless, the city appearance shaped under the influence of the Byzantine capital. A considerable role in the history of Mistra was played by a great degree of autonomy of the despotai of the Morea from Constantinople. Mistra primarily was the administrative centre, where the despotai created their own court and a team of officials following the parallels with the imperial capital. From the second half of the fourteenth century on, Mistra’s status of cultural capital of the empire rivalled that of Constantinople. The climax of sciences and intellectual surge in Mistra, combined with the latter’s growing political importance, made it alterum Byzantium (“Second Constantinople”). Similarly to the capital, Mistra embodied the “imperial idea,” which was realized in the definite court hierarchy, glittering palace, rich urban buildings, and cultural superiority.