Madrid Skylitzes Collection

Greek fire. Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes, 11th-12th century. Artist: Anonymous
Greek fire. Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes, 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

MMS Vitr. 26-7 Predictions about the emperor Michael II (820-829) from Chapter III of the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum)
IND113013 MMS Vitr. 26-7 Predictions about the emperor Michael II (820-829) from Chapter III of the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum) by Byzantine School, (12th century); Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

MMS Vitr. 26-7 Byzantines Laying Siege to Messina, from the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum)
IND113012 MMS Vitr. 26-7 Byzantines Laying Siege to Messina, from the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum) by Byzantine School, (12th century); Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

MMS Vitr 26-7 The Byzantine Army Putting to Flight the Bulgarians of the Tzar Krum
REV130936 MMS Vitr 26-7 The Byzantine Army Putting to Flight the Bulgarians of the Tzar Krum, from the Madrid Skylitzes (ink & gold on vellum) by Byzantine School

MMS Vitr 26-7 Ambassador from Kiev Sent by King Vladimir (978-1015
REV130935 MMS Vitr 26-7 Ambassador from Kiev Sent by King Vladimir (978-1015) is Told about Christianity by a Byzantine Bishop, from the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum) by Byzantine School

The Conversion of Olga (d. 969) from the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum)
XZL147684 The Conversion of Olga (d.969) from the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum) by Byzantine School, (12th century); Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid, Spain; (add.info.: wife of Igor)

Greek fire, Fol. 34v from the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum)
REV167117 Greek fire, Fol. 34v from the Madrid Skylitzes (vellum) by Byzantine School, (12th century); Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

Greek fire during the Siege of Constantinople, 1832. Private Collection

The Council of Constantinople (Triumph of Orthodoxy) in 843 (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), Artist: Anonymous
The Council of Constantinople (Triumph of Orthodoxy) in 843 (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

Grand Princess Olga visiting Constantine VII (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th centur Artist: Anonymous
Grand Princess Olga visiting Constantine VII (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

School at the Time of Emperor Constantine VII (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th centu Artist: Anonymous
School at the Time of Emperor Constantine VII (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

Pursuit of Sviatoslavs warriors by the Byzantine army (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-1 Artist: Anonymous
Pursuit of Sviatoslavs warriors by the Byzantine army (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

The repulsion of the Russian attack on Constantinople in 941 by the Byzantine fleet (Miniature from Artist: Anonymous)
The repulsion of the Russian attack on Constantinople in 941 by the Byzantine fleet (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

Greek fire during the Siege of Constantinople, before 1839. Artist: Bruni, Fyodor Antonovich (1800-1875)
Greek fire during the Siege of Constantinople, before 1839. Found in the collection of the Russian National Library, St. Petersburg

Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes, 11th-12th century. Artist: Anonymous
Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes, 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

Thomas the Slav flees to the Arabs (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th century. Artist: Anonymous
Thomas the Slav flees to the Arabs (Miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes), 11th-12th century. Found in the collection of the Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

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The Madrid Skylitzes, a collection of illuminated manuscripts dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, offers a captivating glimpse into Byzantine history. These intricate miniatures depict various significant events and figures from that era. One such illustration showcases the devastating power of Greek fire, an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantines. The anonymous artist skillfully captures the intensity and chaos of battle as flames engulf enemy ships in a miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes. In another section of this vellum manuscript, predictions about Emperor Michael II (820-829) are recorded. This fascinating insight into ancient prophecies reveals how people sought to understand and anticipate their rulers' actions during those times. The siege of Messina is also depicted within these pages. The Byzantines laying siege to this city come alive through vibrant colors and meticulous details in yet another miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes. Furthermore, we witness scenes portraying historical encounters between different cultures. An ambassador sent by King Vladimir (978-1015) from Kiev is shown meeting with Byzantine officials, highlighting diplomatic relations between these two powerful realms. Religious events are not forgotten either; one miniature commemorates The Council of Constantinople (Triumph of Orthodoxy) in 843. This gathering marked a significant moment for Orthodox Christianity and its triumph over iconoclasm. Grand Princess Olga's visit to Constantine VII is captured beautifully in another artwork found within these manuscripts. This encounter symbolizes political alliances forged through marriage during medieval times. Additionally, glimpses into daily life can be seen throughout these miniatures - a school at the time of Emperor Constantine VII provides insights into education practices during that period. Lastly, battles between Sviatoslav's warriors and the Byzantine army demonstrate military conflicts on both land and sea as they pursue each other relentlessly across vividly illustrated landscapes.