On Monday 13 May 2024, this year’s joint lecture of the Austrian (OEBG) and British (SPBS) societies for Byzantine Studies will take place, delivered by Jim Crow (University of Edinburgh) with Galina Fingarova (University of Vienna) as respondent. 

‘Peeping under the Palimpsest: reclaiming the urban topography of Byzantine Constantinople’.  

A recent publication on late antique and medieval urbanism titled ‘Cities as palimpsests?’ draws attention to the multi-layered nature of ancient cities and the nuanced perspectives which are offered for the study of evolving urbanism. But how far is this engaging metaphor relevant for understanding the city beneath our feet and as a contribution to comprehending past lifeways? By reviewing past and contemporary approaches and methodologies I aim to consider the contribution of previous observations and excavations for the topography and infrastructure of the city, with particular attention to the Byzantine remains enclosed within the circuit wall of the Topkapı Saray, the city’s first hill.

Proceedings commence at 18.30 CEST Vienna/5.30pm BST Edinburgh.  All welcome; registration – for in person or remote participation – is open at https://edin.ac/3QiNueS.