Society Overview

The Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies (SPBS) was established in 1983, with the object of furthering study and knowledge of the history and culture, language and literature of the Byzantine Empire and its neighbours.

The executive of the SPBS also serves as the UK National Committee of the Association Internationale des Etudes Byzantines (AIEB), which was founded in 1948, and, among its other functions, sponsors an International Congress every five years.

Among other activities the Society sponsors an annual Symposium, which is held every spring at different locations in the British isles; the Symposium normally incorporates the Annual General Meeting of the Society. The Society publishes the main papers delivered at its annual Symposia; these volumes always deal with a particular theme or topic in Byzantine Studies.

The Society also compiles the annual Bulletin of British Byzantine Studies which is circulated to all members. The Bulletin includes reports on recent publications and work in progress by all members of the Society; news of fieldwork; abstracts of newly completed theses; a bibliography of books published during the year; reports on recent conferences, including a regular feature on the annual Spring Symposium of the Society; and a calendar of events of interest to members. There are also special features on a variety of topics. As a result, it is an indispensable tool for anyone with a serious interest in Byzantine Studies.

The Society plans to organize more special events, including museum openings, study days and lectures by eminent Byzantinists, in the future.