"Alchemy in Byzantium: Exploring a Fascinating 'Art'" Workshop

• Organized by: The Canellopοulos Museum, the Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Research Foundation (IHR/NHRF), and CHS Greece
• Academic Coordination: Gerasimos Merianos (Senior Researcher, Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Research Foundation)
• Invited researcher: Akis Goumas (Goldsmith–ancient metalworking techniques researcher, Harvard CHS 2021 Visiting Artist)
• Language: Greek

Synopsis

In this workshop, we will delve into the intriguing realm of Byzantine alchemy, a field that until recently remained largely unexplored but has now begun to attract research interest. Despite this growing attention, alchemy in Byzantium remains largely unknown to the general public.In fact, Byzantine alchemy builds upon the Graeco-Egyptian chemical tradition which it systematizes and significantly expands. Over time, it also interacts with Islamic and medieval Latin alchemy. Notably, significant aspects of this Art – such as its conceptualization as a "gift of God" and the application of mathematical principles to alchemical processes – initially emerged in the Byzantine context before appearing in other traditions.  Learn more about the workshop on Alchemy in Byzantium.