ABSTRACT
This chapter explores post-Byzantine spatial perceptions through the lens of two very different proskynetaria describing, respectively, biblical and non-biblical shrines: Daniel Iatros Proskynetarion ton Aghion Topon and Ioannes Komnenos Proskynetarion tou Agiou Orous Athonos, which the author briefly introduce in the chapter. Daniel’s proskynetarion is an illuminated paper manuscript featuring descriptions of the holy sites of Jerusalem and Palestine. Early Greek proskynetaria of Palestine are products of a local tradition distinct from western pilgrimage literature. While itineraria, periploi , and portolani were generally meant for navigational purposes and island books were used for armchair travel, proskynetaria embedded both functions. In their different incarnations, proskynetaria flourished not only at a time of stabilization of the Ottoman Empire, but also at a time of financial uncertainty for Greek Orthodox foundations.
