The introduction to this handbook explains the scope and purpose of Byzantine art, architecture and visual culture from 330 to 1453, across the Eastern Mediterranean world, including Italy and the Balkans, Russia, and the Middle East. It begins with an overview of the role of the arts in religious and secular life, and explains the periodicization of the field into Early, Middle and Late phases as a useful way to consider these artistic productions. It presents the development in scholarly approaches that flow from the beginning phase of Byzantine art history when modern scholars were first discovering the wealth of Byzantine materials, to the later analysis and interpretation of the arts in their historical roles, and finally to the contemporary use of newer (including scientific) techniques and interdisciplinary approaches often incorporating methods from other fields. Consideration of the arts after 1453 that continue to show Byzantine influence is included. Dissemination of information including publications, digital opportunities and display in collections and exhibitions is discussed. The section presents information about the authors, the use of the handbook, and offers thoughts for future exploration in the field of Byzantine art.
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