"Re-reading the Imagined and Physical Space of the Byzantine Church" (original) (raw)

This paper explores the archaeological evidence related to the spatial segregation of men and women in Early Byzantine churches, challenging the assumption that men automatically occupied church spaces. It uses a comprehensive analysis of biologically and historically sexed burials, as well as inscriptions from forty-seven church sites primarily located in the Levant, with additional examples from Italy and Croatia. By critically examining both textual and archaeological evidence, the study emphasizes the need for equal burden of proof regarding gender segregation in these sacred spaces, while also considering the implications of social mobility and the role of women within Early Christian communities.