Late Byzantine Period (1081-1204)

Late Byzantine Period (1081-1204)

The 11th and 12th Centuries are for Athens a stage of development that shapes the city into an important commercial center. During this time, Byzantine art flourished in Athens and all the important Byzantine churches in the area were constructed.

With the conquest of the city by the Frankish crusaders, this period ends.


11th - 12th Centuries
Considered to be the peak period of the city with noted construction activity. Several distin-guished churches and monasteries were built, such as: Kapnikarea, Panagia Gorgoepikoos, Agioi Theodoroi, Sotira Lykodimou, Agioi Apostoloi, Kaisariani Monastery, Agios Ioannis "omorfi ekklisia" (Galatsi), Monastery of Saint John the Baptist at Kareas, the Monastery of Agios Ioannis The-ologos, the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Kynigos and the Monastery of Daphni.


1154
The Arabian geographer al-Idrisi, after a visit to Athens, describes it as a great and flourishing city.



1167
A symbol of the height of civilization, the city shows advanced methods in the production of raw silk and the handicraft of silk material - given by Benjamin of Tudela.



1182-1204
The archbishop of Athens at the time is Michael Choniates, whom, with his written works, gives us a view of the decline of the city. This era ends with the occupation of the Latin crusaders in 1204.



▶︎ Early Byzantine Period (324-565)
▶︎ Middle Byzantine Period (565-1081)
▶︎ Late Byzantine Period (1081-1204)
▶︎ The Latin Occupation (1204-1456)
 

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