Birth, death, and persuasive analogies: the Nativity at Eğri Taş Kilisesi, Cappadocia

• Published in: Word & image (London. 1985) Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 254 - 280
• Main Author: Bhalla, Niamh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.10.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: 10th century; analogy; Byzantine; Byzantine civilization; Children & youth; Community; God; Inclusion; Jesus Christ; Life expectancy; magic; Material culture; Medieval period; Mortality; Nativity; Persuasion; Women; Cappadocia; Turkey

Life was unpredictable and precarious for the people of medieval Byzantium. Life expectancies were low and mortality rates high, particularly for young children and women. Securing divine protection was imperative for medieval families, particularly in the face of childbearing, illness, death, and j...