Welcome

Live Web Casting of the Conference

Dear friends,

Byzantium constitutes the link connecting the historical tradition of Western civilization and the ever-flowing source of the ideals of Hellenism. It also represented, in itself, an independent beacon of cultural creation, political thought and intellectual accomplishment.

It cannot be disputed that the contribution of Byzantine civilization extends far beyond national borders, making that the heritage of the whole world; this keeps its symbolism and powers of instruction as relevant as ever, and the study of these, an endeavor that never loses its usefulness and interest.

Byzantium was a civilization that, in its philosophy, condensed spiritual concerns, politics and religious faith. The integration of elements from various cultures and their creative conversion into a new form of expression is a typical feature of Byzantium. We must, therefore, speak of the ecumenical character of Byzantine civilization, not just in terms of its supra-national dimension, but, mostly, of its relevance through time.

These elements will be presented in the second conference in the "Greece in the World" series, launched in 2008 by the City of Athens with the successful organization of the "First World Conference of Neohellenic Studies".
The organization of the "Byzantine Studies" conference comes as an affirmation of the importance placed by the City of Athens on the promotion and overall support of scientific work on Greece carried out throughout the world.

The City of Athens Conference on Byzantine Studies aims to record the givens of science today, its developments and challenges, while seeking, at the same time, solutions and initiatives that will make significant improvements to the field of byzantine studies, internationally.

I wish to express my great joy that, for the second consecutive year, Athens is host to distinguished scientists from around the globe, whose activity makes a genuine contribution in shining the spotlight on Greece, on its culture, and on its history, while I intend to assure you that this effort will continue in the years to come.

With best regards,
Nikitas Kaklamanis
Mayor of Athens