This study explores the origins and development of two dress types, the loros (a late form of the toga) and the sakkos (initially a form of everyday robe), in particular investigating the sequence of their adoption by the Imperial court and by ecclesiastical officials. It draws on a wide range of sources, among them, archaeological, liturgical, literary, numismatic and art historical. Among the influences on the form of these vestments, attention is focused on Persian costume, as well as the western Late Roman influences which are more often assumed.

This monograph looks at Byzantine art in its widest sense as well as its influence right up to the 20th century. It is well illustrated with a largely descriptive text. The chapters are divided by genre of art - mosaic, architecture, sculpture etc, with seperate chapters on the influence of Byzantine art in the Baltic and Russia, as well as in later centuries. The range of the study is a real strength and the parallels it draws are illuminating.

This volume draws on two pieces of evidence which offer insights into life in Byzantium: the illuminated manuscript Skylitzes Matritensis and the great Christian monument turned mosque, Hagia Sophia. The main part of the discussion focuses on Skylitzes Natritensis which is a dramatic portrayal of the historical events of the period from Michael I Rangabe (811-813) to the accession of Isaac Comnenos (1057-1059), described as a videotape in action style'. The manuscript depicts a great many themes, including coronations, marriages, ceremonial life, disasters, persecutions, war, violence and so on, with accompanying legends. The rather shorter discussion of the Hagia Sophia looks at the transformation of the Christian monument into an Ottoman mosquem at its role as a prototype and antitype' of the mosque, its influence on Ottoman mosque architecture of Istanbul and Edirne, and at iconoclasm. Literary references to Hagia Sophia are also discussed, with extracts.