Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable gold treasure at the site of a former Christian…
Tag: byzantine empire
Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a limestone sarcophagus near the original burial site of Saint Nicholas at the historic Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas in Antalya Province. The discovery may provide the strongest physical evidence yet of the real figure who inspired Santa Claus.
A Turkish diplomat’s viral tweet dismissing Greece’s ancient legacy in Anatolia has unleashed a storm of backlash, highlighting deep-rooted historical tensions. From Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman myths, discover how one quip exposed centuries of cultural erasure.
A recent Guardian cartoon misplaces Saint George’s origins in modern Türkiye, but evidence confirms his roots in a Greco-Roman, Hellenized Christian environment of the Byzantine Empire, centuries before the region’s Turkish identity emerged.
Archaeologists in Ulpiana, Kosovo, have uncovered a rare mosaic inscription dedicated to Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora, marking the construction of a new church. This find, the second in two years at the site, confirms Justinian’s efforts to rebuild the city after a devastating earthquake and emphasizes his historical connection to the region.
Greek actor Gerasimos Michelis, known for his iconic role as the “man in black” in Para Pente, passed away on July 15, 2025, at 60 after battling ALS. His legacy spans theater, TV, and film.
On July 16, 1054, the Great Schism divided Christianity into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, driven by disputes over papal authority and theology, reshaping Europe’s religious landscape.
The Hagia Sophia, a structure that has transcended time and purpose, stands today as a testament to human ambition and artistic brilliance.
A farmer’s 1860 discovery in Slovakia, the Monomachos Crown, may link to Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX. Featuring enameled gold plates with depictions of co-rulers Zoë and Theodora, the crown reflects Byzantine artistry and politics. Housed in Budapest, its authenticity is debated, yet it remains a captivating relic of the 11th-century empire.
May 29, 1453, marks a dark chapter in the history of our people and the world, the dramatic fall of the Queen of Cities, Constantinople. This day is not merely a historical event; it is a spiritual turning point, a wound that still bleeds in the hearts of the Romioi.
He was a Byzantine emperor who reigned briefly in 641 AD following the death of…
The oldest known depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ is housed in the Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai. This rare icon blends Greco-Roman art traditions with early Christian iconography, offering a glimpse into the cultural and artistic heritage of the time. Its intricate details and symbolic composition continue to inspire scholars and believers, serving as a living witness to the dawn of Christianity.
In the late 9th century, the Byzantine Empire faced significant challenges in maintaining its influence…
A 1,500-year-old Byzantine cistern next to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, transformed into a luxurious spa center operated by Navitas Spa Sarnıç within the Hilton hotel, has sparked controversy and legal action. Following complaints, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and local authorities have sealed the business, emphasizing the need for cultural preservation.
Empress Irene of Athens, a pivotal figure in Byzantine history, navigated a world of political intrigue and religious upheaval. From restoring icon veneration to claiming the imperial throne for herself, her reign (797-802) was marked by both piety and ruthlessness. This article explores her complex legacy, examining her impact on the Byzantine Empire and the wider Christian world.
The Empire of Nicaea, ruled by Theodore I, defeated the Seljuk Turks of the Sultanate…
Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery near the original burial site of Saint Nicholas at the Church of St. Nicholas in Antalya Province, Turkey. This ancient church, rooted in the Greek Byzantine Empire, is at the center of a two-year study uncovering artifacts connected to the legendary figure of Saint Nicholas. Known for his miracles and generosity, Saint Nicholas’s legacy as the inspiration behind Santa Claus continues to captivate the world. Recent excavations have revealed a limestone sarcophagus, potentially marking his original tomb, promising significant insights into historical sources about his final resting place.
Experts may have finally solved a centuries-old mystery surrounding the identity of “Manuel Panselinos,” a renowned Byzantine painter celebrated for blending spirituality with humanity in Orthodox religious art. New research suggests Panselinos was a nickname for Ioannis Astrapas, a 14th-century artist from Thessaloniki. Using forensic handwriting analysis, scholars linked Astrapas’s script in a Paris manuscript to fresco inscriptions in Mount Athos’s Protato Church, long attributed to Panselinos. The findings shed light on a pivotal figure in Byzantine art, whose work harmonized ancient classical techniques with Orthodox traditions.
The Thessaloniki Metro, completed after over two decades, unearthed a hidden city beneath modern streets. Over 300,000 artifacts reveal a captivating glimpse into Thessaloniki’s rich past, from Roman mosaics to a Hellenistic cemetery, transforming the metro project into an unparalleled archaeological journey.
The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney transported audiences on a captivating journey through 1,000 years of…
A 1,600-year-old bronze amulet depicting King Solomon spearing the devil has been unearthed in Hadrianopolis…
Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Greece as we explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Each site offers a unique glimpse into Greece’s storied past and cultural significance. Discover the ancient tales and architectural marvels that make Greece an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Archaeologists in Bulgaria have unearthed five gold coins dating to the time of the emperor Justinian the Great (ruled from A.D. 527 to 565). Although it is not unusual to discover coins during excavations, these ones were located on the floor of a 10th-century house — suggesting the dwelling’s medieval occupants may have kept the coins as a kind of heirloom or artifact.
Archaeologists in Turkey’s Ordu province have uncovered a stunning Byzantine mosaic within a monastery church dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helena. Dating back to the 5th or 6th centuries AD, this significant discovery highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Byzantine Empire and illustrates the intricate artistry that emerged during this transformative era.
Billy Cotsis intends no offence by travelling back in time to interview the hero of 1453, the…
The Hagia Sophia, a structure that has transcended time and purpose, stands today as a…
The world mourns the passing of Patrikios Kaleodis, revered as a distinguished authority on ecclesiastical…
John I Tzimiskes (Greek: Ἰωάννης Α΄ Τζιμισκής, Iōánnēs I Tzimiskēs; c. 925 – 10 January…
Greek fire, a terrifying incendiary weapon wielded by the Byzantine Empire from around 672 AD,…
More than 1,500 years ago, a thriving harbour town southwest of Alexandria, Egypt, was a…
