What kind of lives did women in the Byzantine empire lead? Just how subservient were they in so male-dominated a society? In this collection of biographies Donald M. Nicol uncovers the unexpected fact that in the later years of the empire, at least, some aristocratic women enjoyed influence and exercised initiative. The ten ladies whose lives are described here did not complain of male oppression: instead, despite the conventions of caste and court, they found an outlet for their talents in religion, patronage, friendship and scholarship. They left a lasting influence on the society in which they lived. The story of their achievements offers new perspectives on the Byzantine empire, and a fascinating insight into the lives of women in past times.

A lively collection of ten biographies of aristocratic women of the Byzantine empire in its final years.
Reviews
'... highly readable book.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
'... construct[s] in vivid detail the history of the Paelaeologan epoch.' Anglo-Hellenic Review



Book Information
ISBN 9780521576239
Author Donald M. Nicol
Format Paperback
Page Count 164
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 170g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 10mm