Greetings all,

In the news, a fascinating article about Greek influence in Asia:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/10/26/ancient-greek-kingdom-china/

While much of the info given is from before the time of Byzantium itself, it is known that silk road trade between Asia and the West continued to the 5th century AD, and was thereafter continued in the 13th and 14th centuries.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we commemorate the victorious Constantine I entering the City of Rome after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on October 29 in 312 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventus_(ceremony)

He was acclaimed by cheering crowds in a grand adventus ceremony. Rome was hastily decorated for the occasion, and Constantine was met by a welcoming procession which welcomed him into the city. A panegyric was made in his honor and public games and feasts were held.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this Day we commemorate the anniversary of Constantine's Vision before the battle of the Milvian Bridge:

http://www.classichistory.net/archives/constantine-christianity

There has been much speculation about the details of this vision. It was not Constantine's first (he is known to have had visions of Both Venus and Mercury in previous years.) It is also thought that his vision might have been a celestial phenomenon called a Solar Halo, where the Sun can form a cross and circle image in the sky. It is even possible that originally he wasn't certain whether this was related to Sol Invictus or the Christian Cross... he did mint coins with Sol Invictus with a halo for years after.

Whatever the details, Constantine this symbol as the Labrum banner into all conflicts after, and this vision did change the world.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the Emperor Leo I proclaiming his grandson Leo II as Caesar on October 25 in 473 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_II_(emperor)

Leo II was crowned at age 6 but he sadly passed away at age 7. He had been promoted over his father Zeno. It is unknown whether Leo II's passing was from natural causes or he was simply in the way of Zeno himself.

Let this small Emperor be remembered with compassion.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

Greetings all,

Excellent news - the leading Byzantine Studies journal Dumbarton Oaks Papers is now completely online for free:

https://www.medievalists.net/2023/10/leading-byzantine-studies-journal-now-open-access/

Their dopapers.org site now has all editions since they began publishing in 1941. An amazing resource which I hope we all will benefit from!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

In the news, an article about the Byzantine army:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/10/14/byzantine-army/

Always good to see information on the troops out there! 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

In the news, the site of a 13th century Byzantine church has been found has been found in Thessaloniki:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/10/11/13th-century-church-cemetery-discovered-thessaloniki/

The church seems to have had beautiful frescoes and also a cemetery has been found nearby.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus