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Dr. Lily Filson

When the Roman Emperor Constantine founded Constantinople in the fourth century C.E. on the old Greek site of Byzantium, a new era was inaugurated which saw a distinct Christian identity fuse with the apparati and ceremony of the Roman imperial cult of state. As we are going to see in this lecture, throughout the centuries until the eventual demise of the Byzantine Empire- finally in 1453 at the hands of the Ottomans but with a great blow struck by the Fourth Crusade in the thirteenth century- mechanical technology played an important role in the awe and wonder intentionally fostered by Byzantine imperial ceremony and left a lasting impression on the Europeans who came into its orbit. Through the successive dynasties which held onto and lost the imperial title of the Roman Empire of the East, the Byzantines as we collectively call them, hydraulic technology was a mainstay of their court which fostered an environment of awe-inspiring splendor designed to impress whatever foreign dignitaries arrived upon their shores. Sound, whether it came from the varied lengths of the pipe organ or from the hidden bellows within a brazen beast, was an integral part of the sensorial experience of Byzantine spectacle, and movement made possible by steam or compressed air created experiences which- to the medieval mind unfamiliar with mechanics- could only be the proof of the mastery of supernatural forces. Moving thrones, golden trees, singing birds, animal automata, and musical organs that preserved Hellenistic-era technology (that had vanished from what had been the Roman Empire of the West) are some of the wonders of the history of Byzantine art and technology.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students will encounter the varied mechanical technology of the byzantine empire.
  • Byzantine technology included musical instruments, automata, hydraulic lifting machines, and more!
  • Students will appreciate the intersection of art, technology, craftsmanship, and engineering in this unique course.
  • A comprehensive vocabulary slide is included at the end of the course.

Syllabus

Students will appreciate the Greco-Roman forms that continued through the Byzantine era.
The Hydraulis Plays On
Lyrical, Mechanical Poetry
Engineered Diplomacy
Read more
Students will be able to identify major works of art and technology associated with Byzantine Constantinople and beyond.
Hippodrome Automata and the Fourth Crusade
Of Kings and Mechanical Beasts

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the intersection of technology, art, and diplomacy, offering a unique perspective on Byzantine court life and its influence on visiting dignitaries
Explores hydraulic technology, which was a mainstay of the Byzantine court and fostered an environment of awe-inspiring splendor designed to impress foreign dignitaries
Details the use of sound and movement in Byzantine spectacle, which created experiences that could only be interpreted as supernatural by medieval minds unfamiliar with mechanics
Presents a comprehensive vocabulary slide, which may be useful for students unfamiliar with the terminology related to Byzantine technology and culture
Focuses on mechanical technology's role in fostering awe and wonder, which may not appeal to learners seeking a purely technical or engineering-focused perspective

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Technology of the Byzantine Empire with these activities:
Byzantine Art
Gain a deeper understanding of the artistic context surrounding Byzantine technology.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Byzantine Art' by Robin Cormack.
  • Read the chapters related to imperial art and architecture.
  • Take notes on key artistic motifs and their symbolic meanings.
Review Basic Hydraulics
Refresh your understanding of basic hydraulic principles to better grasp the operation of Byzantine hydraulic machines.
Browse courses on Hydraulics
Show steps
  • Review online resources on basic hydraulics.
  • Work through practice problems related to fluid pressure and flow.
Annotated Bibliography of Byzantine Technology
Deepen your understanding of Byzantine technology by researching and summarizing relevant scholarly articles.
Show steps
  • Search for scholarly articles on Byzantine technology.
  • Summarize the key findings of each article.
  • Annotate each summary with your own insights and questions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Diagram of a Byzantine Automaton
Solidify your understanding of Byzantine automata by creating a detailed diagram illustrating its components and operation.
Show steps
  • Research a specific Byzantine automaton.
  • Create a detailed diagram of the automaton's components.
  • Label each component and explain its function.
  • Write a brief description of how the automaton operates.
The Oxford Handbook of Engineering and Technology in the Classical World
Expand your knowledge of classical engineering and technology to better understand Byzantine innovations.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Oxford Handbook of Engineering and Technology in the Classical World'.
  • Read the sections related to Byzantine technology and engineering.
  • Compare and contrast Byzantine technology with that of other classical civilizations.
Research Project: Byzantine Musical Instruments
Conduct in-depth research on Byzantine musical instruments to gain a comprehensive understanding of their design, construction, and use.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific type of Byzantine musical instrument.
  • Research the instrument's history, design, and construction.
  • Write a research paper summarizing your findings.
Podcast Episode: Technology of the Byzantine Empire
Reinforce your learning by creating a podcast episode discussing the key technologies of the Byzantine Empire.
Show steps
  • Research a specific aspect of Byzantine technology.
  • Write a script for your podcast episode.
  • Record and edit your podcast episode.

Career center

Learners who complete Technology of the Byzantine Empire will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for acquiring, cataloging, preserving, and displaying objects of cultural significance. This position often involves a deep understanding of the historical context of artifacts, which makes studying the technology of the Byzantine Empire particularly relevant. The course builds an appreciation for the intersection of art and technology, providing a valuable lens for understanding historical artifacts like the musical instruments, automata, and hydraulic machines that a museum curator might encounter. A specific focus on the mechanical nature of these wonders and their role in ceremony provides a rare perspective on the kind of exhibits a curator might develop. This course may be useful to a museum curator who focuses on historical technology.
Exhibit Designer
An exhibit designer brings artifacts and ideas to life in museum settings, creating engaging and educational experiences for the public. This role requires a strong understanding of design principles and the historical context of the objects being displayed. The study of Byzantine technology can directly inform the design of exhibits, particularly those that feature historical technologies. A course focusing on the engineering, artistry, and craftsmanship of devices like mechanical beasts, musical organs, and hydraulic lifting machines is ideal. An exhibit designer would benefit from the study of how these devices were intended to create awe and wonder, as they must create similar feelings in their own work. This course may be useful for exhibit designers.
Historical Consultant
A historical consultant provides expertise on historical events and eras to various projects such as films, documentaries, and historical reenactments. A historical consultant will often advise on the authenticity and accuracy of period details. The course's focus on the technology of the Byzantine Empire, including its mechanical and hydraulic innovations, and its discussion of the role of technology in imperial ceremonies, can help a historical consultant accurately recreate this period. A consultant would benefit from a detailed understanding of the kinds of technologies and automatons that were prominent in the Byzantine world, and how they were used to create a sense of spectacle. The course's coverage of the art, technology, and engineering of ancient technologies may be useful for a historical consultant.
Archival Researcher
An archival researcher studies primary source documents and artifacts to gain insights into historical periods. This position often involves an in-depth study of the technologies and practices of a given era. The course on the technology of the Byzantine Empire provides a valuable foundation for someone wishing to research this period. Understanding the role of particular technologies like musical instruments, automata, and hydraulic lifting machines, as well as the political and ceremonial contexts in which they were used, is essential for archival researchers who work in this area. The course's overview of the art and engineering of Byzantine technology makes it especially helpful for an archival researcher. This course may be useful for an archival researcher.
Restoration Technician
A restoration technician works to preserve and repair historical artifacts and structures. This position requires both technical skill and a deep knowledge of historical materials and techniques. Those studying Byzantine technology may be drawn to this vocation. The course content, which details the design and function of mechanical devices like organs and automata, gives a solid foundation for a restoration technician who may study and repair similar objects. The overlap between artistry and technology is an important aspect of each role. The course may be useful for a restoration technician.
Cultural Heritage Manager
A cultural heritage manager is responsible for preserving and managing cultural and historical sites and artifacts. These types of roles often involve a blend of historical knowledge, project management, and public engagement skills. This course, with its focus on the technology of the Byzantine Empire and the significance of its material culture, gives a cultural heritage manager a good introduction to the challenges and importance of preserving historical technologies. An understanding of the mechanical underpinnings of items like automata, musical instruments, and hydraulic machines would be highly beneficial. The course may be helpful to a cultural heritage manager.
Art historian
An art historian researches and interprets works of art within their historical and cultural context. A course on the technology of the Byzantine Empire complements the role of an art historian because it offers a crucial insight into how technology and artistry were intertwined. The course's focus on musical instruments, automata, and hydraulic machines, coupled with the understanding of their purpose in imperial ceremonies, will give an art historian a more complete understanding of the aesthetic and cultural world. The discussion of the way these technologies contributed to a sense of awe and wonder is particularly relevant. An art historian may find this course useful.
Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical devices and systems. While a course on the technology of the Byzantine Empire may not directly inform modern engineering practices, it serves as a study into the origins of mechanical engineering. The innovative use of hydraulic technology, the creation of complex automata, and the design of musical instruments are all topics that a mechanical engineer, with a historical focus, would find compelling. The historical perspective gives a valuable context as it outlines the roots of modern engineering. This course may be useful to a mechanical engineer.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates clear and concise documentation for complex systems and technologies. A technical writer may find the exploration of the technology of the Byzantine Empire a useful case study in how to convey complex information. The course's approach to explaining complex mechanical and hydraulic systems, as well as describing the intended use for the technology, provides a useful model for effective technical communication. The course may help a technical writer appreciate the importance of breaking down complex systems into manageable parts. This course may be useful for a technical writer.
Robotics Designer
A robotics designer develops the mechanical and electrical components of robots. While their work is in a modern context, a study of historical automation can provide useful insights. A course on the technology of the Byzantine Empire offers a glimpse into early forms of mechanical automation. The designs of moving thrones, golden trees, singing birds, and other automata, discussed in the course, offer an instructive context for a robotics designer. The course may be useful for a robotics designer.
Architectural Historian
An architectural historian researches the history of buildings and structures, focusing on their design, construction, and cultural significance. The course on the technology of the Byzantine Empire may broaden the perspective of an architectural historian. While the course does not focus on buildings, the hydraulic and mechanical technologies used in the era are relevant to the study of Byzantine architecture. An appreciation of how these technologies contributed to the spectacle of the Byzantine court provides a useful background for anyone who seeks to understand architectural history. Studying the relationship between artistry and technology is useful for an architectural historian, as a grasp of mechanics is often vital to understanding the historical context. This course may be helpful to an architectural historian.
Sound Designer
A sound designer creates and manipulates audio for various media, including theater, film, and video games. The study of Byzantine technology, particularly the creation of musical instruments and the use of sound in spectacle may indirectly inform a sound designer. The course's discussion of the use of pipe organs and hidden bellows to create immersive auditory experiences is valuable. The understanding of how sound was used to create a sense of wonder might be an important point for a modern sound designer to think about. This course may be useful for a sound designer.
Game Designer
A game designer is responsible for creating and developing the rules, mechanics, and overall design of video or board games. A game designer may find inspiration and conceptual material from a study into the technology of the Byzantine Empire, especially in creating games that are set in historical eras. The course's overview of mechanical marvels like automata, musical instruments, and various machines could be used to create immersive and intriguing gameplay experiences. The creative and imaginative aspects of these devices may help a game designer conceptualize new narratives and mechanics. This course may be useful for a game designer.
Science Journalist
A science journalist reports on scientific and technological advancements. A course on the technology of the Byzantine Empire provides an interesting approach to the craft. The intersection of art and technology, along with the historical context of Byzantine innovations, is something that a science journalist might find to be a compelling story. The study of how ancient technologies were used in spectacle and ceremony can inform a journalist who is interested in making science accessible to the public. This course may be useful for a science journalist.
Educator
An educator teaches students in a variety of settings such as schools and museums. The educator presents material in an accessible and engaging way. The study of Byzantine technology, particularly the blend of art, technology, craftsmanship, and engineering, may provide a unique perspective that an educator can share with students. An educator may use information from the course to supplement lessons in history, engineering, or the arts. The course may be helpful for an educator.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Technology of the Byzantine Empire.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Byzantine art, including mosaics, icons, and architecture. It offers valuable context for understanding the aesthetic and cultural values that influenced Byzantine technology. Reading this book will help students appreciate the artistic achievements of the Byzantine Empire and how they intertwined with technological innovations. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.
This handbook provides a broad overview of engineering and technology in the classical world, including the Byzantine Empire. It offers valuable insights into the historical context and technological innovations of the period. While not solely focused on Byzantium, it provides a useful comparative perspective. is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.

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