Byzantium and Eastern European History

Posted by Kerry Kubilius Jul 24, 2006

St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev is a remarkable example of Eastern European architecture influenced by Byzantium. Byzantium was so inspirational to the Medieval Slavs, that, not only was architecture and religion modeled off Byzantium, but the icons that are so ubiquitous throughout Eastern Europe today have a distinct connection with the religious artwork to come out of Justinian's Constantinople. In fact, many of the the most precious icons, found in churches, cathedrals, and museums all over Eastern Europe were created by Byzantine artisans. Others were copied off of originals from Byzantium. Through icons and Eastern Orthodoxy, Eastern Europe will forever have a steadfast connection with Byzantium of long ago.