Byzantine Christianity: A Very Brief History

Averil Cameron

Language: English

Publisher: SPCK Publishing

Published: Oct 19, 2017

Description:

‘. . . I have sailed the seas and come
To the holy city of Byzantium.’
W. B. Yeats

From the foundation of Constantinople in 330 to its fall in 1453, this brief history explores the key components of Byzantine Christianity, including the development of monasticism, icons and iconoclasm, the role of the emperor in relation to church councils and beliefs, the difficult relationship with the papacy and the impact of the Crusades.

The book also considers Byzantine Christianity as a living force today: the variety and vitality of Orthodox churches, the role of the Church in Russia and the enduring relevance of a spirituality derived from the church fathers.

Review

Averil Cameron’s work has transformed our understanding of Byzantium, and here she offers an authoritative survey of its history and legacy . . . This is a lucid, informative and impressively wide-ranging brief history.

An excellent, lucid account of a complex topic

These books have been written by recognised scholars who combine academic rigour, a focus on specific questions, and clear explanation. They introduce us to the findings of modern scholarship and help us to understand more of the life and faith of the classical world.

Review

"Averil Cameron's work has transformed our understanding of Byzantium, and here she offers an authoritative survey of its history and legacy . . . This is a lucid, informative and impressively wide-ranging brief history."

-- Gillian Clark FBA, emeritus professor of classics and ancient history, University of Bristol

Book Description

Concise historical introduction to Byzantine Christianity and its continuing influence on the world and how we see it

About the Author

DAME AVERIL CAMERON, FBA, was formerly Warden of Keble College, Oxford. She is President of the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies.