The theoretical framework known as Material Religion has emerged as a
vibrant and profoundly influential approach within religious studies
over the past two decades. Originating in the first decade of the 21st
century from currents within cultural anthropology, Material Religion
challenges a foundational assumption of much modern Western thought:
that matter and spirit — materiality and religion — are
fundamentally opposed. Rather than conceiving religion primarily as a
system of ideas, doctrines, and beliefs, this framework accords equal
significance to behaviours, practices, and objects. It reorients the
study of religion towards the physical world, while simultaneously
highlighting the capacity of tangible environments to mediate between
humans and extraordinary powers. This volume introduces the insights
of Material Religion to the field of Byzantine Studies. It presents
Material Religion as a new theoretical lens to Byzantinists, who have
long explored religious life through behaviours, practices, and
material culture, and who have long recognized their significance. A
series of case studies — encompassing individual sites, urban
spaces, landscape features, and categories of objects — illustrates
the relevance and analytical power of the framework across the full
span of byzantine material culture, from Late Antiquity to the Fall of
Constantinople, including instances of cultural exchange within and
beyond the Empire’s heartland. Material Religion in Byzantium and
Beyond will appeal to a broad audience, from students of Byzantium to
established scholars who may be unfamiliar with the Material Religion
framework.
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Papers from the 54th Spring Symposium of Byzantine Studies
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781040640456
Publisert
2025
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Taylor & Francis
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter