1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a Byzantine enthusiast and currently a postgraduate research student.
2. What did you learn about Byzantium at school. And generally what is the awareness of its history in your country?
I think at school (in England) the main thing we learned about the Romans was regarding the ancient world. Medieval/ Eastern Romans didn’t really come into it, with the exception perhaps of Constantine the Great. I believe that general awareness of Byzantium is now gradually improving, however, in part due to increasing interest in the Middle Ages in general.
3. What’s your favorite historical era and emperor?
Although I am very interested in the Komnenos dynasty, if I had to choose my favourite Byzantine era it would be the Palaiologan period (1261-1453), the time of the great Palaiologan Renaissance. My second favourite emperor is Alexios I Komnenos, who ruled Byzantium during a very challenging time period in the context of the rise of the Seljuks and the coming of the First Crusade. My absolute favourite emperor would have to be Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last ruler of Byzantium and a man of incredible bravery and humanity who sacrificed his noble life for the protection of his beloved Constantinople, the Queen of Cities.
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You can find Leo Carter here:
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Instagram: @ancient_and_medieval_explorer
Check the rest of the interviews:
An American fan of Byzantium: Click here
Portugal: Click here
Japan here: Click here
The Philippines: Click here
Chile: Click here
Serbia: Click here
Mexico: Click here