Mina Moon-Black: Gennadius Library Medieval Greek Language Summer School

This summer, thanks to the generosity of the Duke Department of Classical Studies’ Research Travel Award, I was able to attend the Gennadius Library Medieval Greek Language Summer School, held between July 1 and 28. This intensive program was not only an excellent introduction to medieval Greek in its many forms between the fourth and fourteenth centuries CE, but was also an outstanding overview of medieval Greek literature and culture. 

This overview was accomplished through reading a wide variety of texts — ranging from inscriptions on the Parthenon to vernacular romances — as well as courses on Greek palaeography and guided trips to Corinth, Mistras, Hosios Loukas, and Thessaloniki. My research has benefited immensely from this program: my dissertation on the emperor Julian’s cultural afterlife in the western late antique and medieval world requires a comparative, interdisciplinary approach that combines Latin and Greek materials. Thanks to this program and the Research Travel Award, I have been able to improve my research methodologies and expand my grasp of the requisite materials. I am honored to have received this award and sincerely thank those who provide it!