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Description
A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities: Strange Tales and Surprising Facts from History's Most Orthodox EmpireWeird, decadent, degenerate, racially mixed, superstitious, theocratic, effeminate, and even hyper literate, Byzantium has long been regarded by many as one big curiosity. According to Voltaire, it represented "a worthless collection of miracles, a disgrace for the human mind"; for Hegel, it was "a disgusting picture of imbecility." A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities will churn up these old prejudices, while also stimulating a deeper interest among
Weird, decadent, degenerate, racially mixed, superstitious, theocratic, effeminate, and even hyper-literate, Byzantium has long been regarded by many as one big curiosity. According to Voltaire, it represented "a worthless collection of miracles, a disgrace for the human mind"; for Hegel, it was "a disgusting picture of imbecility." A Cabinet of Byzantine Curiosities will churn up these old prejudices, while also stimulating a deeper interest among readers in one of history's most interesting civilizations. Many of the zanier tales and trivia that are collected here revolve around the political and religious life of Byzantium. Thus, stories of saints, relics, and their miracles-from the hilarious to the revolting-abound. Byzantine bureaucracy (whence the adjective "Byzantine"), court scandals, and elaborate penal code are world famous. And what would Byzantium be without its eunuchs, whose ambiguous gender produced odd and risible outcomes in different contexts? The book also contains sections on daily life that are equally eye-opening, including food (from aphrodisiacs to fermented fish sauce), games such as polo and acrobatics, and obnoxious views of foreigners and others (e.g., Germans, Catholics, Arabs, dwarves). But lest we overlook Byzantium's more honorable contributions to civilization, also included are some of the marvels of Byzantine science and technology, from the military (flamethrowers and hand grenades) to the theatrical ("elevator" thrones, roaring mechanical lions) and medical (catheters and cures, some bizarre). This vast assortment of historical anomaly and absurdity sheds vital light on one of history's most obscure and orthodox empires.Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 10/02/2017
ISBN: 9780190625948
Pages: 248
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 1.00d
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4.4 ★★★★★
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 4
These are very thick pillows.
Item Package Quantity: 2, Size: Queen
Exactly as advertised. They are very firm and very thick. They're too thick for me to be able to use as bed pillows. However, they seem to work pretty well as cushions in my papasan chair on top of its normal cushion also work very well as decorative pillows.
I'm still giving them four stars because they're exactly as advertised and they seem well made. My only complaint is that they're just too thick. And that's definitely not the fault of the pillows or the pillow maker.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
★★★★★ 5
how good the product is
Item Package Quantity: 4, Size: Standard
These pillows are soft, fluffy, and surprisingly supportive for the price. They’re comfortable no matter how you sleep — whether on your side, back, or stomach — and they maintain their shape well overnight without going flat. The fabric cover feels smooth and breathable, keeping things cool through the night.
After a few days of fluffing and use, they settle nicely into a perfect medium firmness. They also wash and dry easily without clumping.
Overall, a great‑value pillow set that offers comfort, versatility, and quality — ideal if you need an affordable yet cozy bedding refresh.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great Quality for a Great Proce!
Item Package Quantity: 2, Size: King
These pillows are very comfortable and maintain their shape. Quality is as described at a comfortable price for the quality! The pillows are comfortable; not overly firm nor flat. The density is medium and supportive; very comfortable!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Firm and comfortable
Item Package Quantity: 2, Size: Standard
These pillows are well made. Firm, yet comfortable. I am pretty rough with my pillows. I toss and turn frequently. After one year, they are still holding up.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Quite good. I am actually surprised. Too small for queensize
Item Package Quantity: 2, Size: Queen
These pillows are actually good. After reading a ton of reviews I pulled the trigger on these. I was 100% sure I was going to receive bad quality pillows (too flat or too thick). They do take 24-48 hours to firmen up. Let's see if they flatten out in a few weeks or if they hold up. My wife said the pillow was too thick and it raised her head too much. I don't agree, I sleep perfect on these, no neck pain in the morning.
Update 04/24
These are actually quite small to be considered queen pillows. They have become firm over the last few days.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026