الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Hellenistic culture played an important role amongst ancient civilisations. Alexandria with its library and Moseion made a link between the previous and the following cultures. Moreover, The Hellenistic literature had a massive production that kept its importance through the following periods; especially the Byzantine period. Although the Greek and Roman religion were demolished in the Byzantine empire by the decree of emperor Constantine, they were revived by emperor Julian the Apostate. Emperor Julian was known for his love of the Hellenistic Culture, especially literature and art. Thus, Byzantine artists and poets were encouraged by emperor Julian to freely borrow and quote from the Hellenistic artistic and literary works. By studying the illustrated manuscripts of the commentaries on the Byzantine poets’ works—Gregory and Oppian—and their adoptions from the Hellenistic poets, it resulted in a definite outcome that they were deeply influenced by the Hellenistic literature, precisely, the works of Callimachus, Theocritus and Apollonius.239 Callimachus’ impact clearly appeared on the artistic Byzantine depictions of Zeus in the illustrated manuscripts of Gregory Nazianzus and Pseudo-Oppian. They obviously demonstrate the influence of Callimachus on both writers. Moreover, Callimachus’ Hymns occupied a fine part of the Byzantine artefacts from different materials. The Silver plate from Ephesus and shawl of Sabina prove the close relationship between the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. This relationship is definitely shown in Callimachus’ hApo and hDel. Additionally, some Byzantine artifacts depicting Artemis solely in different representations include some elements that were inspired from Callimachus’ hArt. The Castelvint silver plate proves how Callimachus had an influential presence in Byzantine art. The plate depicts roughly 7 verses of Callimachus’ Bath of Pallas with details of goddess Athena that only appear in this hymn. |