The School in Byzantium: Structure and Problems

Education in Byzantium was a matter of individual choice and there was never such a thing as statutory school attendance. The Byzantine Empire never imposed a compulsory education on its subjects, while education was always open to those that desired it and had the wherewithal to pay for it. And while the state was well aware that its functionaries had need of at least a rudimentary education, education in itself was never a prerequisite for holding an imperial post. On the other hand, when it was present, education was a highly-regarded element in anyone’s make-up, but was especially highly-regarded in holders of high office. The school retained a fixation with Byzantium’s Graeco-Roman intellectual heritage throughout the entire history of the Empire, but that it also proved impressively flexible in adapting itself to circumstances down the centuries.

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