Mount Athos and Byzantine Monasticism

Mount Athos stands as a pivotal pillar of Orthodox Christianity and Byzantine history. Its monastic communities, established early on, wielded significant spiritual, political, and economic influence that extended beyond the Byzantine Empire's borders. The site's archives and libraries preserve an unparalleled body of Byzantine documentation, art, and archaeology, offering invaluable insights into a lost era. This volume, derived from the 28th Spring Symposium of Byzantine Studies, synthesizes international research on Athos, exploring diverse aspects such as asceticism, authority, economy, spirituality, and more. Through meticulous investigation of its archives and artifacts, scholars have uncovered substantial evidence that illuminates the complex phenomenon of Byzantine monasticism, providing a comprehensive view of this influential institution's role in shaping Orthodox Christianity.

Bryer, A., & Cunningham, M. (2016). Mount Athos and Byzantine Monasticism. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315248622