Constantinople as seen by its inhabitants, with Paul Magdalino

A conversation with Paul Magdalino about the literary traditions and genres that Constantinopolitans developed to talk about the origins, history, cosmic importance, and superlative beauty of their city — the City. Paul Magdalino is Emeritus Professor at the University of St Andrews and Koç University and one of the leading historians of the Byzantine world. The conversation touches on themes in Paul’s recent book, Roman Constantinople in Byzantine Perspective: The Memorial and Aesthetic Rediscovery of Constantine’s Beautiful City, from Late Antiquity to the Renaissance (Brill 2024). Like the book, our discussion culminates with the majestic oration Byzantios by Theodoros Metochites. Byzantium & Friends is hosted by Anthony Kaldellis, a Professor at the University of Chicago.