The Greek-influenced Byzantine Empire played a vital role in the formation of modern Europe and the Mediterranean states. Between the 4th and the 12th century, Byzantine culture set standards in all areas of life and had a key influence on all neighbouring states. Byzantium formed a bridge between Antiquity and the Modern Age and, at the same time, between Europe and the Orient. The Byzantine heritage is still present today in many countries in the form of the Orthodox Church. Despite its historical significance, research into Byzantine history and culture in Germany occupies a niche area, although the Byzantine element is gaining a new importance against the backdrop of the European unification process.

The Leibniz ScienceCampus Mainz aims to establish a broad platform for interdisciplinary Byzantine studies within an institutional framework. The various cultural processes of reception, transfer and exchange which took place in the reception of Antiquity and the continued existence of Byzantine culture as well as between Byzantium and the Latin West, the Slavic North and the Islamic South are examined in a uniform approach. The Leibniz ScienceCampus promotes the integration of dispersed scientific disciplines dedicated to Byzantium, and enables multidisciplinary, historical and cultural research to be conducted under one roof.

Spokesperson
Univ.-Prof. Alexandra W. Busch
Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), Mainz
T +49 6131 888 50
generaldirektorin@leiza.de
Coordinator
Dr Benjamin Fourlas
Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), Mainz
T +49 6131 888 5168
benjamin.fourlas@leiza.de