The current state of Byzantine archeology

Abstract

AbstractByzantine archeology embraces the study of material culture in the Byzantine Empire (the continuation of the Roman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean from the 4th through 15th centuries C.E.). This review examines current trends in Byzantine archeology, among which one finds new local and regional studies, and a decided move away from archeological excavation to archeological survey and other forms of noninvasive investigation. There is still a strong orientation among scholars engaged with Byzantine archeology to explain the nature and mechanisms of change around the period of transition from antiquity to the medieval period. New theories and methodologies, often slow to be adopted by Byzantinists, are now routinely applied in many areas of Byzantine archeology. More recently, the archeological sciences, including studies involving climate change and the diet, have become more prominent in the field. Finally, in order to thrive, Byzantine archeology is a scholarly pursuit in need of institutional support and a defined and effective academic network.