Papers by Maria Leontsini
Paper
The paper deals with the networks, connectivity, and supply infrastructure in the Aegean and Ioni... more The paper deals with the networks, connectivity, and supply infrastructure in the Aegean and Ionian Seas between the 7th and 9th centuries. The introduction (The formation of naval networks during the early Byzantine
Middle Ages. Adaptation and state interventions) is followed by Part One (1. Networks and interconnections in the Aegean Sea) by Natalia Poulou which analyzes particular aspects of the communication networks enhanced by the needs of defense (A. Cities, settlements and fortifications in the Aegean), by the new modes of production and distribution of products in transport vessels (B. Agricultural production. Pottery workshops. New types of transport vessels), as well as by the imperatives to support the supply and storage system (C. Warehouses. State control. Marine networks). In Part Two (2. Networks and interconnections in the Ionian Sea) Maria Leontsini
outlines the connection points of the inter-regional and local networks in the Ionian Sea and analyzes their importance for the communications between Constantinople, the Aegean Sea, and the western Mediterranean.
Maria Leontsini, Eleni Manolessou, and Aggeliki Panopoulou, Harbours and anchorages in Corinthia ... more Maria Leontsini, Eleni Manolessou, and Aggeliki Panopoulou, Harbours and anchorages in Corinthia and Argolis (North–Eastern Peloponnese) from the Early to the Middle Byzantine period, in Johannes Preiser–Kapeller, Taxiarchis G. Kolias, and Falko Daim (eds.), Seasides of Byzantium: harbours and anchorages of a Mediterranean Empire, Verlag des Römisch–Germanischen Zentralmuseums, Mainz 2021, 153–166.
Historical sources mention the existence of ports in the northeastern Peloponnese from the Early to the Middle Byzantine period. Defense strategies, supply needs, and population movements are suggested as factors that dictated the creation of various settlements and infrastructures in the coastal areas and the islands near the coastline.
Μαρία Λεοντσίνη, Τα Κύθηρα και αἱ νῆσοι ἑπτὰ Πελοποννήσιοι λεγόμεναι στο «Περί θεμάτων» του Κωνσταντίνου Ζ΄ Πορφυρογέννητου (913‐959), Ιστορίας μέριμνα, Τιμητικός τόμος στον καθηγητή Γεώργιο Ν. Λεοντσίνη, Αθήνα, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, τ. Α1, 697–711., 2011
In the section of De Thematibus describing the theme of Peloponnese, there is mention of the seve... more In the section of De Thematibus describing the theme of Peloponnese, there is mention of the seven islands in the periphery of the peninsula, one of which must have been Kythera. The mention of these islands as a unit probably reflects the intention to highlight their importance in communication and exchange networks, a reality confirmed by archaeological research. The reference indicates that most of these islands were used as naval stations for voyages or military campaigns, a fact not directly commented on in De Thematibus.
Δημήτρης Γκαγκτζής, Μαρία Λεοντσίνη, Aγγελική Πανοπούλου, Πελοπόννησος και Nότια Iταλία: σταθμοί επικοινωνίας στη μέση βυζαντινή περίοδο, Πρακτικά του B΄ Διεθνούς Συμποσίου: «H επικοινωνία στο Bυζάντιο», N. Γ. Mοσχονάς (επιμ.), Aθήνα 1993, σ. 469‐486.
The study records the movements of officials, saints, merchants, and other travelers between sout... more The study records the movements of officials, saints, merchants, and other travelers between southern Italy, Sicily, the cities, and other places of the Peloponnese (Patra, Corinth, Methoni, Monemvasia, Hierax, Maleas, and Sparta). In southern Italy, Reggio, Catania, Panormos, Syracuse, Baris, and Tauromenion were the busiest ports for traveling to the Peloponnese. These movements are not distributed with the same frequency in time. There is an increase in their number between the 9th and 10th centuries, in the critical period of the Arab expansion in the Italian cities and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Byzantinoslavica, 2004
Acceso de usuarios registrados. Acceso de usuarios registrados Usuario Contraseña. ...
BRILL eBooks, Nov 5, 2022
Studia Ceranea. Journal of the Waldemar Ceran Research Centre for the History and Culture of the Mediterranean Area and South-East Europe
The paper studies terms describing cooks and cooking activities that are preserved in Byzantine l... more The paper studies terms describing cooks and cooking activities that are preserved in Byzantine literature and draw their origins from the ancient Greek literature as well as from biblical and theological texts. Despite some development regarding the preference to the term opsopoios and opsartytēs without ceasing to use the term mageiros for the male cook, as well as the term demiourgos, only the latter is used for women to signal solely the preparation of pastries. It is proved that the conceptualization and connotations of the term mageiros, which are presented in detail, prevented its attribution to women. Further proof on the use of feminised masculine nouns for female professions or occupations in literature and the more concrete evidence on the services recorded in the typika of nunneries display the absolute abiding of the conscious avoidance of the term for women’s involvement in cooking.
Mo.Na: Monuments in Nature: A Creative Co-Existence, International Conference Proceedings, Athens, July 7-9, 2021, ed. S. Tanou, European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments, Thessaloniki, 2022
Abstract: The prevention and treatment of catastrophes and natural phenomena (θεομηνίαι) were par... more Abstract: The prevention and treatment of catastrophes and natural phenomena (θεομηνίαι) were particularly challenging
issues for past societies. Our presentation attempts to detect in what ways state strategies strived to prevent or minimize
construction risks. The central administrative policies and legal measures were actually affirming the legitimacy of the
emperor as a founder of cities (κτίστης, φιλοκτίστης) and justified his authority in the renewal of public works (ἐπανόρθωσις,
renovatio). Analysis focuses on perceptions and practices related to natural disaster management of urban infrastructures
and is based on the indexing of written evidence.
Byzantina Symmeikta, 2018
The Aegean Sea acquired special strategic and economic importance during the expansion of the Ara... more The Aegean Sea acquired special strategic and economic importance during the expansion of the Arab navy, when it became clear that the imperial fleet had to be reorganized in order to repel attacks, maintain open communications and guard the island populations. Until then, the Byzantine fleets were scattered in different posts of the Mediterranean Sea. The first naval raids of the Arabs in Crete, Rhodes and Kos made clear that administrative and military reaction should be based on the thematic organization. The occupation of Crete, due to the island's special position for the navigation in the Eastern Mediterranean and its economic importance for Constantinople, increased competition between the Byzantine and Arab navies. The reinforcement of some islands such as Naxos and Rhodes with fortifications and the safeguarding of other important naval stations, such as Euripos on the west coast of the South Aegean, kept open the communication channels in the Aegean Sea, as it is also indicated by the seals mentioning certain islands, some of which were yet referred to as naval stations of the campaign for the liberation of Crete in 949 by the text known as the Stadiodromikon, describing port crossings on the sea route between Asia Minor, the islands and Crete.
Comment on a letter of Ioannis Τzetzes, presenting Plato, as a guest at the banquets of the Sicil... more Comment on a letter of Ioannis Τzetzes, presenting Plato, as a guest at the banquets of the Sicilian tyrants, where he was defeated in a symbolic contest by the composer of the dithyramb Δεῖπνον, Philoxenos of Kythira. With this theme, borrowed from Aelios Aristeides, Tzetzes sought to highlight his own position in the complex network of personal connections with patrons, fellow intellectuals, friends, collaborators, competitors and rivals, drawing specific elements from the sources, which had established the emblematic model of Philoxenos as a poet known for his unreservedness in speech.
The consumption of oil was not self-evident in Byzantium, although it is often mentioned along wi... more The consumption of oil was not self-evident in Byzantium, although it is often mentioned along with bread and wine as the ideal Mediterranean dietary trilogy. Modern research has shown that seed oils but mainly the use of lard were more widespread culinary materials. In particular, the latter was related to the development of livestock production and the state supplying policies.
The study examines the types of bread and confectionery in relation to their consumption in every... more The study examines the types of bread and confectionery in relation to their consumption in everyday life, and festive events.
Maria Leontsini, Wonders of nature and heroism in the narratives of Herakleios' campaigns against Persia, 2014
Maria Leontsini, Wonders of nature and heroism in the narratives of Herakleios' campaigns against... more Maria Leontsini, Wonders of nature and heroism in the narratives of Herakleios' campaigns against Persia, Narratives across space and time, Proceedings of the 15th Congress of the International Society for Folk Narrative Research, Aik. Polymerou–Kamilaki, E. Karamanes, I. Plemmenos (edd.), Athens 2014, 337-356.
The victorious outcome of the Persian wars was hailed as an achievement of Heraclius by the court poet, Georgios Pisides; identical were the imperial praises incorporated into the narratives of the Chronography of Theophanes the Confessor. The interventions of the supernatural element to support the strategic choices of the emperor, which are successively introduced in the historical narrative, are part of an official master plan that aimed to highlight the support of Divine Providence and Nature to the Byzantine troops as a decisive element in ending the conflicts in favor of the Byzantines and denounce the religious symbols of Zoroastrianism. These narratives on the emperor's exploits derived probably from spoken or written folk accounts, probably transformed by Georgios Pisidis into official poetry serving to the imperial propaganda.
The treatment of the Arabs during their first attacks on the eastern borders of the Byzantine Emp... more The treatment of the Arabs during their first attacks on the eastern borders of the Byzantine Empire, before the establishment of the first Muslim Caliphate in Damascus, shows that the central government and the local rulers were found in front of an unprecedented situation. The military response to the Arab attacks was certainly a priority while the political crisis in the relations between the central government and the provinces had initially caused confusion in dealing with formal negotiations with the Arabs. When the defense of Palestine, Syria, and Egypt collapsed the Byzantine court tried to negotiate with Damascus, sending ambassadors who enjoyed the emperor's trust. According to later Byzantine chronographers, the handling of the first official talks and the signing of treaties with the Arabs ended eventually as an achievement in favor of Constantinople despite military failures.
The presence of poultry in the Byzantine diet was associated with special circumstances and howev... more The presence of poultry in the Byzantine diet was associated with special circumstances and however was not daily, and was based on chickens, roosters and less often on geese. The preference for good quality meat from ducks, pheasants and domesticated partridges is mentioned in rhetorical texts or in letters of Byzantine scholars. The level of culinary art and high taste standards, at least for those who could ensure the high quality and sufficient quantity of the necessary ingredients for the preparation of meals, is detected in a few texts, describing substances and delicacies intended for rich private or public feasts.
M. Leontsini, Domestic, song and exotic birds. Aesthetic reception and practical aspects (7th-11t... more M. Leontsini, Domestic, song and exotic birds. Aesthetic reception and practical aspects (7th-11th century).
Τhe reception of the relations between man and nature was based on both the biblical and the ancient Greek tradition. The most popular subject of theological and secular literature, the birds were an integral part of the descriptions of natural or imaginary landscapes, but mainly of the gardens-paradises. Correspondingly, motifs in the decorative arts were drawn from the world of birds. Written testimonies and archaeological data show the contribution of domestic birds and their products to the daily diet, while references are also made to the breeding of rarer species intended for luxury meals. The paper shows that the promotion of rhetorical topoi and social norms regarding birds was associated with well being and the standards of the upper classes social life.
The paper examines different aspects of perceptions about livestock. Herding and pastoral life we... more The paper examines different aspects of perceptions about livestock. Herding and pastoral life were associated with nomadic tribes (Scythians, Tzani, Alans, Saracens) and referred to "liberating" forms of social organization. The models of the priest-shepherd and the shepherd king, which, on the other hand, are promoted by Platonic philosophy and the evangelical tradition, were adopted by the imperial ideology, while the possession of flocks was associated with the wealth of prominent aristocrats, especially those directly associated with byzantine courtyard or the imperial throne. The various imperial measures to oversee production and secure the supply chains of Constantinople, where these products were traded, were, however, always presented as features of a large imperial city that was always under imperial and supervision.
Uploads
Papers by Maria Leontsini
Middle Ages. Adaptation and state interventions) is followed by Part One (1. Networks and interconnections in the Aegean Sea) by Natalia Poulou which analyzes particular aspects of the communication networks enhanced by the needs of defense (A. Cities, settlements and fortifications in the Aegean), by the new modes of production and distribution of products in transport vessels (B. Agricultural production. Pottery workshops. New types of transport vessels), as well as by the imperatives to support the supply and storage system (C. Warehouses. State control. Marine networks). In Part Two (2. Networks and interconnections in the Ionian Sea) Maria Leontsini
outlines the connection points of the inter-regional and local networks in the Ionian Sea and analyzes their importance for the communications between Constantinople, the Aegean Sea, and the western Mediterranean.
Historical sources mention the existence of ports in the northeastern Peloponnese from the Early to the Middle Byzantine period. Defense strategies, supply needs, and population movements are suggested as factors that dictated the creation of various settlements and infrastructures in the coastal areas and the islands near the coastline.
issues for past societies. Our presentation attempts to detect in what ways state strategies strived to prevent or minimize
construction risks. The central administrative policies and legal measures were actually affirming the legitimacy of the
emperor as a founder of cities (κτίστης, φιλοκτίστης) and justified his authority in the renewal of public works (ἐπανόρθωσις,
renovatio). Analysis focuses on perceptions and practices related to natural disaster management of urban infrastructures
and is based on the indexing of written evidence.
The victorious outcome of the Persian wars was hailed as an achievement of Heraclius by the court poet, Georgios Pisides; identical were the imperial praises incorporated into the narratives of the Chronography of Theophanes the Confessor. The interventions of the supernatural element to support the strategic choices of the emperor, which are successively introduced in the historical narrative, are part of an official master plan that aimed to highlight the support of Divine Providence and Nature to the Byzantine troops as a decisive element in ending the conflicts in favor of the Byzantines and denounce the religious symbols of Zoroastrianism. These narratives on the emperor's exploits derived probably from spoken or written folk accounts, probably transformed by Georgios Pisidis into official poetry serving to the imperial propaganda.
Τhe reception of the relations between man and nature was based on both the biblical and the ancient Greek tradition. The most popular subject of theological and secular literature, the birds were an integral part of the descriptions of natural or imaginary landscapes, but mainly of the gardens-paradises. Correspondingly, motifs in the decorative arts were drawn from the world of birds. Written testimonies and archaeological data show the contribution of domestic birds and their products to the daily diet, while references are also made to the breeding of rarer species intended for luxury meals. The paper shows that the promotion of rhetorical topoi and social norms regarding birds was associated with well being and the standards of the upper classes social life.
Middle Ages. Adaptation and state interventions) is followed by Part One (1. Networks and interconnections in the Aegean Sea) by Natalia Poulou which analyzes particular aspects of the communication networks enhanced by the needs of defense (A. Cities, settlements and fortifications in the Aegean), by the new modes of production and distribution of products in transport vessels (B. Agricultural production. Pottery workshops. New types of transport vessels), as well as by the imperatives to support the supply and storage system (C. Warehouses. State control. Marine networks). In Part Two (2. Networks and interconnections in the Ionian Sea) Maria Leontsini
outlines the connection points of the inter-regional and local networks in the Ionian Sea and analyzes their importance for the communications between Constantinople, the Aegean Sea, and the western Mediterranean.
Historical sources mention the existence of ports in the northeastern Peloponnese from the Early to the Middle Byzantine period. Defense strategies, supply needs, and population movements are suggested as factors that dictated the creation of various settlements and infrastructures in the coastal areas and the islands near the coastline.
issues for past societies. Our presentation attempts to detect in what ways state strategies strived to prevent or minimize
construction risks. The central administrative policies and legal measures were actually affirming the legitimacy of the
emperor as a founder of cities (κτίστης, φιλοκτίστης) and justified his authority in the renewal of public works (ἐπανόρθωσις,
renovatio). Analysis focuses on perceptions and practices related to natural disaster management of urban infrastructures
and is based on the indexing of written evidence.
The victorious outcome of the Persian wars was hailed as an achievement of Heraclius by the court poet, Georgios Pisides; identical were the imperial praises incorporated into the narratives of the Chronography of Theophanes the Confessor. The interventions of the supernatural element to support the strategic choices of the emperor, which are successively introduced in the historical narrative, are part of an official master plan that aimed to highlight the support of Divine Providence and Nature to the Byzantine troops as a decisive element in ending the conflicts in favor of the Byzantines and denounce the religious symbols of Zoroastrianism. These narratives on the emperor's exploits derived probably from spoken or written folk accounts, probably transformed by Georgios Pisidis into official poetry serving to the imperial propaganda.
Τhe reception of the relations between man and nature was based on both the biblical and the ancient Greek tradition. The most popular subject of theological and secular literature, the birds were an integral part of the descriptions of natural or imaginary landscapes, but mainly of the gardens-paradises. Correspondingly, motifs in the decorative arts were drawn from the world of birds. Written testimonies and archaeological data show the contribution of domestic birds and their products to the daily diet, while references are also made to the breeding of rarer species intended for luxury meals. The paper shows that the promotion of rhetorical topoi and social norms regarding birds was associated with well being and the standards of the upper classes social life.
Seasides of Byzantium: harbours and anchorages of a Mediterranean Empire
Date: 29 May -1 June 2017
Venue: National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece
The study of maritime installations and networks in the Roman and Byzantine Mediterranean has found increased interest in the last years as becomes manifest in various projects and publications. The major DFG-funded Special Research Programme (SPP-1630) “Harbours from the Roman Period to the Middle Ages” with its interdisciplinary approach constitutes one core element of this development (http://www.spp-haefen.de/en/home/). Within the framework of the SPP-1630 and its project “Harbours and landing places on the Balkan coasts of the Byzantine Empire (4th to 12th centuries)” (http://www.spp-haefen.de/en/projects/byzantine-harbours-on-the-balkan-coasts/), the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum (RGZM) in Mainz (http://web.rgzm.de/) and the Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF/IHR) in Athens (http://www.eie.gr/nhrf/institutes/ihr/index-en_IHR.html) have established a cooperation for joint research on harbours in Byzantine Greece and the creation of a common data base.
Against this background, the conference “Seasides of Byzantium” intends to set these activities within the wider context of research on the Byzantine Empire as phenomenon of maritime history. Scholars present new material and new approaches based on historical or archaeological evidence which illuminate the scale, shapes and functions of Byzantine harbours and anchorages in their temporal and spatial dynamics across the Mediterranean. Furthermore, also the connections of these places across the sea and to their hinterlands are taken into consideration. The conference schedule includes one day of arrival and opening, two days of presentation and discussion and one day of excursion to relevant archaeological sites near Athens. For invited participants, costs for travel and accommodation are covered by the organisers. Besides, a wider audience is welcome to listen to the presentations.
In recent decades, Byzantine gender studies has been broadened by incorporating tools from different fields such as sociology and social anthropology. The center of gravity has shifted from the position and role of women per se, to gender research, and gendered socialization patterns, reflection on the various ways of promoting gender identity in Byzantium, and the significance of gender roles in everyday life and social organization.
The exploration of the ways in which gender is perceived in historical sources, literature, and legal texts, as well as the investigation of its reflection in hagiographical patterns and Byzantine visual language, reveals the variations and developments that have taken place in Byzantine society.
Using current methodological tools, and with a constant focus on the historical context of the period, the seminar will focus on the perception and expression of gender in Byzantium, on the dynamics between gender identity and power, on the limitations of accepted social roles, from the family unit to public space, but also to ways of responding to and overcoming regulatory standards. Among others the seminar will investigate expressions - textual and visual - of femininity and masculinity, prevailing notions and ideas on the human body and health, the fluidity in the gendered identity of eunuchs.