The history of art and culture of the Byzantine provinces to the Southeast of the Black and Mediterranean Seas is outlined. Their value as the vanguard of Byzantine art and culture is emphasized. A discussion of the style and technique of frescoes in the church of St. Nicholas at Kintsvizsi and in St. George at Atchi shows the importance of monasteries to the development of fresco style, and creates a comparison of the Georgian and Cappadocian styles.