Constantinople was well known in its heyday for the enormous collection of relics housed in its churches: bones, even whole bodies and intimate possessions of holy men and women. This title examines the means by which relics were acquired, the ways in which they were used and some of the reasons why for so long they were believed to be effective.

Constantinople was well known in its heyday for the enormous collection of relics housed in its churches. These studies examine the means by which relics were acquired, the ways in which they were used and some of the reasons why for so long they were believed to be effective. The role of relics in the development of the cult of the Mother of God (Theotokos) is also discussed as well as the curious relationship between relics and icons.

'Quelle excellente idée de rééditer John Wortley!' Revue d'histoire ecclésiastique