"Rich in artistry, as well as politics, the Byznatine Empire provides an abundant well from which to draw images for iconic tarot symbolism. Using the traditional Rider-Waite format as their foundation, Matthews and Conway worked as a team to excavate a war-ravaged and looted civilization and reclaim its beauty and wisdom. 78-card deck and 160 p.-companion book." -Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight

The first tarot deck inspired by the Byzantine Empire, this sumptuous and evocative package will appeal to all those with an interest in history, ancient kingdoms, iconography and history of art.

The Byzantine world, which lasted from 330 to 1453 CE, combined the elegance and power of Rome with the opulence and splendor of the Orient. This combination brought about richness in the world of art, literature, and spirituality that has seldom been equaled. Yet it also has a mysterious resonance, and it is to this world of emperors and empresses, saints and sinners, faith and miracles that the creators of this dazzling new tarot have turned, capturing the Byzantine vision, magic, and enchantment.

The Byzantine Empire began in 330 AD when the Roman emperor Constantine I dedicated a new Rome on the site of the ancient Greek colony, Byzantium (modern Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey). This eastern half of the Roman empire lasted another 1000 years after the western half crumbled in 476 AD, and it spawned a rich tradition of art, literature and learning, until it fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 during the reign of Constantine XI.

Byzantine art is almost entirely concerned with religious expression; specifically Christian theology. The style evolved into a rigid tradition that is sophisticated, uniform and anonymous. Religious iconography in the form of mosaics, as well as fresco wall-paintings, are probably what most people think of when they think of Byzantine art. And so in this tarot deck, we see the majors expressed in the style of mosaic icons, and the minors reminiscent of frescoes.

John Matthews is an internationally acclaimed expert on the Celtic tradition, an area he has studied for more than 30 years. He teaches and gives seminars and workshops on the shamanic experience all over the world and, together with his wife Caitlin, is the author of over 100 books.

Cilla Conway is a professional tarot counsellor, writer and artist with a particular interest in archetypes and mythology. She is the creator of The Intuitive Tarot.

Size: 5,5 x 9 cm