The Chronographia of George the Synkellos and Theophanes
Title | The Chronographia of George the Synkellos and Theophanes PDF eBook |
Author | Jesse W. Torgerson |
Publisher | BRILL |
Total Pages | 476 |
Release | 2022-07-25 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 9004516859 |
The ninth-century Chronographia of George the Synkellos and Theophanes is the most influential historical text ever written in medieval Constantinople. Yet modern historians have never explained its popularity and power. This interdisciplinary study draws on new manuscript evidence to finally animate the Chronographia’s promise to show attentive readers the present meaning of the past. Begun by one of the Roman emperor’s most trusted and powerful officials in order to justify a failed revolt, the project became a shockingly ambitious re-writing of time itself—a synthesis of contemporary history, philosophy, and religious practice into a politicized retelling of the human story. Even through radical upheavals of the Byzantine political landscape, the Chronographia’s unique historical vision again and again compelled new readers to chase after the elusive Ends of Time.
Fourteen Byzantine Rulers
Title | Fourteen Byzantine Rulers PDF eBook |
Author | Michael Psellus |
Publisher | Penguin UK |
Total Pages | 400 |
Release | 1979-09-27 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 0141904550 |
This chronicle of the Byzantine Empire, beginning in 1025, shows a profound understanding of the power politics that characterized the empire and led to its decline.
The Depiction of Character in the Chronographia of Michael Psellos
Title | The Depiction of Character in the Chronographia of Michael Psellos PDF eBook |
Author | Frederick Lauritzen |
Publisher | Brepols Publishers |
Total Pages | 0 |
Release | 2013 |
Genre | Byzantine Empire |
ISBN | 9782503548418 |
Character is the single most important feature of the Chronographia written by Michael Psellos (1018-1081?). It is an historical account of the events at court from the time of Basil II (986-1025) to Michael VII Doukas (1071-1078) with the insight of someone whose career developed within the imperial court and his unsurpassed eye for details of personality was enlightened by his intellectual interests. During his lifetime, Psellos was considered the forefront of philosophical studies in the capital and therefore was named consul of philosophers in 1047 and he credited himself with reintroducing Plato on the cultural scene of Constantinople. It was his attractive manner of speech which led him to remain in the emperor's presence and his rhetorical ability also plays an important role in the Chronographia, especially when he emphasizes or fabricates events to justify his understanding of a person's mind. Many have employed Psellos' Chronographia for its value in shedding light on historic events, itself important, though it often neglects the fact that Psellos' historiography is not based on factual details to explain multiple causes for events, but seeks to attribute blame or merit to the personality of the ruling emperor.
The Argument of Psellos' Chronographia
Title | The Argument of Psellos' Chronographia PDF eBook |
Author | Anthony Kaldellis |
Publisher | BRILL |
Total Pages | 237 |
Release | 2021-10-11 |
Genre | Philosophy |
ISBN | 9004452869 |
This book is a philosophical interpretation of Michael Psellos' Chronographia, an acknowledged masterpiece of Byzantine literature. Anthony Kaldellis argues that although the Chronographia contains a fascinating historical narrative; it is really a disguised philosophical work which, if read carefully, reveals Psellos' revolutionary views on politics and religion. Kaldellis exposes the rhetorical techniques with which Psellos veils his unorthodoxy, and demonstrates that the inner message of the text challenges the Church's supremacy over the intellectual and political life of Byzantium. Psellos consciously articulates a secular vision of Imperial politics, and seeks to liberate philosophy from the constraints of Christian theology. The analysis is lucid and should be accessible to anyone with a general knowledge of Byzantine civilization. It should interest all who study the history of ancient and medieval philosophy.
The Chronographia
Title | The Chronographia PDF eBook |
Author | Michael Psellus |
Publisher | |
Total Pages | 340 |
Release | 1953 |
Genre | Byzantine Empire |
ISBN |
The Chronicle of John Malalas
Title | The Chronicle of John Malalas PDF eBook |
Author | |
Publisher | BRILL |
Total Pages | 417 |
Release | 1986-01-01 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 9004344608 |
Malalas' purpose in writing his work is twofold: 1) to set out the course of sacred history as interpreted by the Christian chronicle tradition (covered by Books 1-9); and 2) to provide a summary account of events under the Roman emperors up to and including his own lifetime (covered by Books 10-18).
The History
Title | The History PDF eBook |
Author | Michael Attaleiates |
Publisher | Harvard University Press |
Total Pages | 657 |
Release | 2012-11-19 |
Genre | History |
ISBN | 0674057996 |
In 1039 Byzantium was the most powerful empire in Europe and the Near East. By 1079 it was a politically unstable state half the size, menaced by enemies on all sides. The History of Michael Attaleiates is our main source for this astonishing reversal. This translation, based on the most recent critical edition, includes notes, maps, and glossary.