ANAMED Lecture: From One Land to Another: Land Frontiers and Maritime Frontiers in the Early Byzantine World

Speakers: Prof. Enrico Zanini and Dr. Luca Zavagno
Moderator: Virginia Sommella
Date & Time: 6 May 2024, 14:00

Prof. Enrico Zanini and Dr. Luca Zavagno have made substantial scholarly contributions to early and middle Byzantine studies, greatly enhancing the existing literature on cities, economies, and defense. Their seminal analyses encompass a wide geographical range and incorporate various methodological approaches ranging from archaeology to history. In the forthcoming discussion, these two scholars will explore a shared theme that has significantly impacted their academic endeavors: the encounter with the frontier. Specifically, they will investigate the intricate relationship between the frontier and linear or non-linear borders as a common thread linking their research. Selected case studies will allow them to explore diverse degrees of permeability within both tangible and conceptual boundaries. Further attention will also be directed towards the diverse defense mechanisms employed by the Byzantine Empire, spanning territories on land and sea across Italy, the Balkans, and significant Mediterranean islands like Cyprus and Sicily. Simultaneously, in their discussion on the Byzantine frontier, Zanini and Zavagno consistently delve into the cultural perceptions of the other, a fundamental aspect of border identity frequently echoed in their respective research. The speakers will analyze the connections and differences within their works using complementary and interwoven methodologies. Ultimately, by examining four decades of frontier studies, this discussion seeks to provide an opportunity to explore past, present, and future research directions in this field.