Alchemy in Byzantium

Byzantine alchemy has emerged as a vibrant area of academic inquiry in recent years, signaling a shift in scholarly attention within the broader field of the history of alchemy. Nevertheless, in mainstream historiography, the Byzantine tradition is still briefly, if at all, referred to and superficially dealt with. To bridge this gap, this volume, the first to exclusively focus on alchemy in Byzantium, comprises ten essays by specialists from various fields. From the incorporation of alchemical themes in hagiographical texts to the connection of Byzantine and Arabic alchemy with medicine and each other, this book explores Byzantine and Byzantine-related alchemical topics within their cultural and cross-cultural context. By showcasing manuscripts, texts, concepts, and practices, it offers fresh insights into this tradition, stressing its significance. Byzantine alchemy, as portrayed in this volume, emerges as a creative development of the Graeco-Egyptian tradition interacting with the Islamicate and Western traditions. This work will be an essential reference for scholars and students seeking a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping alchemical theory and practice in Byzantium.