Images of Power in Byzantium, Australasian Association for Byzantine Studies 22nd Biennial Conference, University of Newcastle and Zoom, June 7–8, 2025
During its long history, the Byzantine Empire and its institutions held grand ambitions of power and influence across the mediterranean world. While borders frequently shifted and the apparatus of administration saw frequent reform, emperors and authorities considered themselves as rulers of a vast polity. Both actual administration and communication of power beyond the walls of Constantinople required unique strategies which can be found in literary, documentary, and archaeological and art historical evidence. Rhetorical strategies, strategic use of portrait statuary, inscriptions, as well as iconography and numismatics could be used to communicate power across great distance, though not always with success.The same strategies could be employed by emperors and bishops, as well as usurpers to gain support and communicate legitimacy. We invite papers and panels from all disciplines related to the Byzantine/Mediaeval Roman world and its neighbours broadly conceived, from the 4th to 15th centuries to consider the conference theme.
Paper topics may include (but are by no means limited to):
- Rhetorical and literary constructions of power Imperial ambitions vs. reality
- Imperial portraiture in statuary Imperial power in iconography Byzantine Numismatics Byzantine Sigillography
- Images of Ecclesiastical Power Power in the Provinces Imperial power dynamics
- Powerlessness and marginalisation Provincial expressions of loyalty
- Images of power by usurpers and pretenders Images of resistance
- Byzantine Empire as inspiration for power Byzantine Diplomacy
- Images of imperial succession
Special papers and panels are also invited to reflect on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 325, with a particular focus on power relations between church and state authorities.
This year's conference will be offered in a hybrid mode, face to face with a Zoom option for remote participants.
We are pleased to offer 4 bursaries to assist in travel expenses for postgraduates and Early Career Researchers attending and presenting in person at the conference.
Convener: Dr. Ryan W. Strickler
Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Woods (University College Cork)