In this issue, all that glitters is gold!We go east and visit the vibrant culture, art, and life of the Byzantine Empire. This issue takes a look at music, medieval travel in the Aegean islands, war on the frontier, Ravenna’s beautiful basilicas, and the important contributions made to Byzantine history by powerful women such as Sophia Palaiologina and Zoe Porphyrogenita.We hope you enjoy this trip to the golden East with us!