The College of Staten Island History Department is inviting campus to an upcoming talk and discussion that promises to unravel a captivating mystery of Byzantine material culture. Titled “Toasting the Defeat of the ‘Barbarians’? A Byzantine Material Culture Mystery,” this exciting event will be led by renowned historian Professor Eric Ivison from the College of Staten Island and the CUNY Graduate Center.

Date and Time: Friday, March 21 at 1:30 PM
Location: Zoom (Registration required)
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FUO3877FQD-KNKUVXCD3G

This talk will explore the fascinating interpretation of Byzantine drinking bowls recently excavated in modern-day Istanbul, formerly the heart of the Byzantine Empire—Constantinople. These seventh-century artifacts are remarkable not only for their shape and decoration but also for the human faces depicted on them, which scholars have linked to stereotypical representations of the Avars, a nomadic Eurasian steppe people labeled as “barbarians” by the Byzantines.

Professor Ivison will discuss how these unique drinking vessels, in combination with other historical sources, shed light on the Byzantine cultural construction of the Avar “barbarian” identity and provide insight into key historical events in seventh-century Constantinople.

This is a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge historical research and deepen your understanding of Byzantine history and material culture. The event is CLUE certified—don’t miss your chance to gain valuable knowledge and participate in an engaging discussion with a leading expert in the field!

Register now to secure your spot and join the conversation on one of history’s intriguing cultural mysteries.

Don’t miss it!