Byzantium and Islam

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This groundbreaking volume examines the significant transformations and continuities in the Byzantine Empire from the seventh to the ninth century. During this period, the Empire's southern provinces, particularly in North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean, were pivotal trade hubs connecting regions from Spain to China. These areas faced historic upheavals as Christian and Jewish communities interacted with the emerging Islamic world, leading to a remarkable cultural cross-fertilization by the ninth century. Leading international scholars bring this extraordinary age to life, complemented by stunning illustrations of notable arts and artifacts from the period. Rich images of authority, religion, and trade—manifested in precious metals, vibrant textiles, fine ivories, intricate mosaics, manuscripts, and icons—highlight the dynamic interplay between Byzantine styles and the evolving Islamic aesthetic. This masterful exploration of two centuries that shaped the medieval world offers a profound interpretation of a period with lasting implications for the modern era. The publication coincides with the exhibition held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing the age of transition from the 7th to 9th century.