SPA380.15 From the Roman East to Byzantium (at UAM)

Open only to students accepted to the special program Madrid Center & Liberal Arts in Spanish at UAM. 

Taught in Spanish at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and may not be offered every semester. 

I. Introduction

  1. Introduction: Concepts, chronology, and space of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire.
  2. The origins of the Eastern Empire.

II. The Eastern Roman Empire (from the 4th to 6th centuries)

  1. From Diocletian’s reforms to Constantine’s unification.
  2. The process of Christianization of the Empire vs. the last episodes of imperial paganism: Julian and Eugenius.
  3. The Theodosian and Leonid dynasties: from Theodosius the Great to Zeno.
  4. The Justinian era and the cultural flowering of the 6th century.

III. The Byzantine Empire ( from 7th to 15th CENTURIES)

  1. The beginning of Byzantium (from 7th to 8th centuries).
  2. The Golden Age (from 9th to 11thcenturies).
  3. Western intervention: the Crusades (11th-13th centuries).
  4. The disintegration of the Byzantine Empire (13th-15th centuries).

IV. Economy, Politics, and Society of the Eastern Roman and Byzantine Empires

  1. Internal organization: politics and administration, economy, and society of the Byzantine Empire.

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to

  • Discuss the main historical facts of the Eastern Roman Empire.
  • Discuss the main historical facts of the Byzantine Empire.
  • Interpret documentary sources and materials.
  • Gather, organize, and analyze bibliographic information.
  • Prepare and present academic papers.

May also be registered as HST 380.15.

Department: Spanish

Location: Liberal Arts at UAM

Credits: 3