History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 321 - Judith Herrin on Byzantium and Islam
Mar 24, 2019
Judith Herrin, a historian and Professor Emerita, dives into the fascinating interplay between Byzantium and Islam. She discusses their dynamic relationship over eight centuries, marked by both conflict and cultural exchange. The evolution of coinage reflects their shifting mutual respect, while intellectual exchanges highlight the resilience of Greek philosophy amidst challenges. Herrin also elaborates on the intercultural dialogues between Muslims and Christians and the remarkable preservation of Christian culture after the fall of Constantinople.
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Complex Byzantium-Islam Relations
- Byzantium and the Islamic world had an 800-year relationship characterized by rivalry but also cultural exchange.
- They engaged diplomatically, theologically, and culturally, showing complex interaction beyond warfare.
Coinage Reflecting Mutual Influence
- Early Islamic coinage was modeled on Byzantine coins before developing distinct Islamic designs.
- Later, the Byzantines adopted Islamic-style coins, reflecting mutual influence.
Rivalry Sparks Curiosity and Borrowing
- Rivalry between Byzantium and Islam fostered a competition for intellectual and cultural superiority.
- By the mid-9th century, cautious admiration and cultural borrowing emerged between the two civilizations.