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The Chronographia of Michael Psellus: A Masterpiece of Byzantine Historiography

Samuel Beckett

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Published in Fourteen Byzantine Rulers: The Chronographia Of Michael Psellus (Classics)

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Fourteen Byzantine Rulers: The Chronographia of Michael Psellus (Classics)

by Michael Psellus

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1251 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	404 pages

The Chronographia of Michael Psellus is a seminal work of Byzantine historiography, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the Byzantine Empire from its foundation to the author's own time.

Michael Psellus: A Renaissance Man

Michael Psellus (c. 1018–1078) was a polymath who epitomized the spirit of the Byzantine Renaissance. He was a philosopher, historian, orator, theologian, and scientist. Psellus was born in Constantinople and received a thorough education in the classics and philosophy. He served as a high-ranking official in the Byzantine government and was a close advisor to several emperors.

Psellus's Chronographia is a reflection of his wide-ranging interests and vast knowledge. The work is not simply a chronicle of events, but a sophisticated analysis of the Byzantine Empire's history and culture.

Structure and Content of the Chronographia

The Chronographia is divided into seven books, each covering a different period of Byzantine history. The first book begins with the foundation of Constantinople in 330 AD and ends with the death of Emperor Justinian I in 565 AD. The subsequent books cover the reigns of the succeeding emperors, up to the author's own time.

Psellus's narrative is based on a wide range of sources, including official documents, historical accounts, and personal anecdotes. He also draws heavily on his own observations and experiences. The Chronographia is not only a valuable historical record, but also a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a brilliant and erudite man.

Historical Significance

The Chronographia is one of the most important sources for the study of Byzantine history. It provides a detailed and nuanced account of the empire's political, military, and cultural developments. Psellus's work is also a valuable source of information on the lives and thoughts of ordinary Byzantines.

The Chronographia has been translated into several languages and is widely read by scholars and historians. It is a classic work of Byzantine historiography and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Byzantine Empire.

Literary and Stylistic Features

In addition to its historical significance, the Chronographia is also a work of great literary merit. Psellus was a master of rhetoric and his writing is characterized by its eloquence and wit. The Chronographia is full of vivid descriptions, dramatic anecdotes, and philosophical reflections.

Psellus's style is often compared to that of the ancient Greek historians Thucydides and Plutarch. He is able to bring the past to life through his vivid storytelling and his keen insights into human nature.

Legacy and Influence

The Chronographia of Michael Psellus has had a profound influence on Byzantine historiography and literature. It has been imitated and cited by countless later writers. The work has also inspired numerous works of art, including paintings, mosaics, and sculptures.

The Chronographia is a masterpiece of Byzantine literature and a valuable source of information on the Byzantine Empire. It is a work that continues to be read and admired by scholars and general readers alike.

Fourteen Byzantine Rulers: The Chronographia of Michael Psellus (Classics)

by Michael Psellus

4.6 out of 5