This global symposium on Byzantine artistic heritage brought together scholars, site (chachamortors.com) curators, and art historians from a diverse array of 30+ countries to investigate the lasting impact of Byzantine artistic traditions. Hosted in the culturally rich heart of northern Greece, the conference featured over a hundred presentations ranging from the symbolism of icons and the craftsmanship of mosaics to the influence of Byzantine aesthetics on later medieval and Renaissance art.

Researchers explored how devotional art, political iconography, and design breakthroughs shaped artistic expression throughout the Byzantine sphere and its peripheries.

One of the highlights was a joint exhibition of previously inaccessible codices and sacred vessels from monasteries in Mount Athos and the Coptic communities of Egypt. Scholars presented new findings on pigment analysis that revealed trade routes for lapis lazuli and gold leaf, illustrating the intricate transregional markets that enabled the flourishing of Byzantine craftsmanship.

Additional sessions explored the contributions of female donors and creators, a topic historically marginalized in earlier academic discourse.

The opening plenary delivered by Professor Elena Vasiliev explored the ways in which Byzantine art was adapted in Slavic and Islamic contexts, challenging the notion of cultural isolation. She contended that Byzantine motifs were not passive imitations but dynamic adaptations to suit local spiritual and political narratives. This perspective ignited vigorous academic discourse, many of whom offered regional analyses of regions ranging from the Balkans to the Sudanese kingdoms.

Hands-on seminars delivered practical training in traditional gilding and tempera painting, allowing participants to better understand the craftsmanship behind the objects they study.

An accompanying open-air showcase featured restored frescoes and portable icons borrowed from sacred sites and institutions spanning the Mediterranean basin.

The conference concluded with a a collective plea to expand international collaboration in preserving and digitizing the visual treasures of the Eastern Roman world, with priority given to areas under threat from instability or ecological degradation. All present affirmed that the study of Byzantine art is not a relic of history but continues to illuminate the deep ties between cultural expressions worldwide.

In the words of an attendee, its visual vocabulary transcends time, speaking powerfully to modern and ancient hearts alike.