Images of Hell and the Afterlife in the Churches of Lakonia

Byzantine-era churches in Lakonia, including those at Mystras and Chrysapha, depict a shift from collective to individual punishment in Hell, reflecting evolving social concerns. These images, analyzed by Gerstel and Katsafados, often portray local sins—such as usury, witchcraft, and agricultural misconduct—that disrupted village life and economic stability. Rare representations of 'potion makers' and 'witches' suggest the Church's efforts to regulate behaviors violating ecclesiastical law. The study reveals that these depictions persisted into the post-Byzantine period, growing in complexity, indicating a sustained use of religious imagery for social commentary. The research combines art historical analysis with historical context to uncover how Hell's visual narrative served both spiritual and communal purposes.

Gerstel, S. E. J., & Katsafados, P. S. (2020). Images of Hell and the Afterlife in the Churches of Lakonia. Hell in the Byzantine World, 310–345. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108596831.009