Explores a Byzantine emperor's construction of authority with the help of his rhetorical texts Examines the changes in the Byzantine imperial idea by the end of the fourteenth century with a particular focus on the instrumentalization of the intellectual dimension of the imperial ruleIntegrates late Byzantine imperial visions into the bigger picture of Byzantine imperial ideology Provides a fresh understanding of key pieces of Byzantine public rhetoric and introduces analytical concepts from rhetorical, literary, and discursive theoriesOffers translations of key passages from late Byzantine rhetoricManuel II Palaiologos was not only a Byzantine emperor but also a remarkably prolific rhetorician and theologian. His oeuvre included letters, treatises, dialogues, short poems and orations. Florin Leonte deals with several of his texts shaped by a didactic intention to educate the emperor's son and successor, John VIII Palaiologos. He argues that the emperor constructed a rhetorical persona which he used in an attempt to compete with other contemporary power-brokers. While Manuel Palaiologos adhered to many rhetorical conventions of his day, he also reasserted the civic role of rhetoric. With a special focus on the first two decades of Manuel II Palaiologos' rule, 1391-1417, Leonte offers a new understanding of the imperial ethos in Byzantium by combining rhetorical analysis with investigation of social and political phenomena.

Imperial Visions of Late Byzantium

The first biography of the last Byzantine Emperor.

The Immortal Emperor

George Pachymeres' 'Georgiou Tou Pachymere Michael Palaiologos' provides a comprehensive account of the life and reign of Michael Palaiologos. A must-read historical account for anyone interested in Byzantine history This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Georgiou Tou Pachymere Michael Palaiologos

New portrait of Manuel II Palaiologos, investigating his tumultuous reign, literary, philosophical and theological oeuvre and personal life.

Manuel II Palaiologos (1350–1425)

This book follows the public life of Michael Palaiologos from his early days and upbringing, through to his assumption of the Byzantine imperial throne in 1258. It explores multiple narratives, highlighting the various public communities in the Byzantine polity, primarily focusing on intellectuals and clerks rather than the emperor himself. Drawing on insights from power relations, studies of class and the public sphere, this book provides an account of thirteenth-century Byzantium that highlights the role of communicative and symbolic actions in the public sphere, and argues they were integral to Palaiologos' political success.

Michael Palaiologos and the Publics of the Byzantine Empire in Exile, c.1223–1259

The late Byzantine period was a time characterized by both civil strife and foreign invasion, framed by two cataclysmic events: the fall of Constantinople to the western Europeans in 1204 and again to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Mark C. Bartusis here opens an extraordinary window on the Byzantine Empire during its last centuries by providing the first comprehensive treatment of the dying empire's military. Although the Byzantine army was highly visible, it was increasingly ineffective in preventing the incursion of western European crusaders into the Aegean, the advance of the Ottoman Turks into Europe, and the slow decline and eventual fall of the thousand-year Byzantine Empire. Using all the available Greek, western European, Slavic, and Turkish sources, Bartusis describes the evolution of the army both as an institution and as an instrument of imperial policy. He considers the army's size, organization, administration, and the varieties of soldiers, and he examines Byzantine feudalism and the army's impact on society and the economy. In its extensive use of soldier companies composed of foreign mercenaries, the Byzantine army had many parallels with those of western Europe; in the final analysis, Bartusis contends, the death of Byzantium was attributable more to a shrinking fiscal base than to any lack of creative military thinking on the part of its leaders.

The Late Byzantine Army

This book examines Byzantine political attitudes towards the Ottomans and western Europeans during the critical last century of Byzantium. It explores the political orientations of aristocrats, merchants, the urban populace, peasants, and members of ecclesiastical and monastic circles in three major areas of the Byzantine Empire in their social and economic context.

Byzantium Between the Ottomans and the Latins

By 1400, the once-mighty Byzantine Empire stood on the verge of destruction. Most of its territories had been lost to the Ottoman Turks, and Constantinople was under close blockade. Against all odds, Byzantium lingered on for another fifty years until 1453, when the Ottomans dramatically toppled the capital's walls. During this bleak and uncertain time, ordinary Byzantines faced difficult decisions to protect their livelihoods and families against the death throes of their homeland. In this evocative and moving book, Jonathan Harris explores individual stories of diplomatic maneuverings, covert defiance, and sheer luck against a backdrop of major historical currents and offers a new perspective on the real reasons behind the fall of this extraordinarily fascinating empire.

The End of Byzantium

Byzantium lasted a thousand years, ruled to the end by self-styled 'emperors of the Romans'. It underwent kaleidoscopic territorial and structural changes, yet recovered repeatedly from disaster: even after the near-impregnable Constantinople fell in 1204, variant forms of the empire reconstituted themselves. The Cambridge History of the Byzantine Empire c.500-1492 tells the story, tracing political and military events, religious controversies and economic change. It offers clear, authoritative chapters on the main events and periods, with more detailed chapters on outlying regions and neighbouring societies and powers of Byzantium. With aids such as maps, a glossary, an alternative place-name table and references to English translations of sources, it will be valuable as an introduction. However, it also offers stimulating new approaches and important findings, making it essential reading for postgraduates and for specialists. The revised paperback edition contains a new preface by the editor and will offer an invaluable companion to survey courses in Byzantine history.

The Cambridge History of the Byzantine Empire c.500-1492

The Byzantine world underwent a remarkable recovery of intellectual energy in the period following the recovery of Constantinople in 1261. The reaction of the emperors and their entourage of well-educated high officials to their political disasters was a deliberate revival of the glories of ancient Greek culture. The main subject of this book is the preservation and dissemination by this learned elite of such ancient literature, philosophy and science as still survived then, the development of editorial techniques which resulted in more complete and less corrupt texts, and their improvement buy the addition of commentaries and other innovations.

The Early Palaeologan Renaissance (1261-c. 1360)

Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos or Dragas Palaeologus was the last Byzantine emperor, reigning from 1449 until his death in battle at the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. Constantine XI PalaiologosChapter 1: Short history of XI Palaiologos 1.1 Early careerChapter 2 : Despot of the Morea2.1 Second tenure as regent2.2 Second marriage and Ottoman threats2.3 Despot at MystrasChapter 3 : Reign as emperor3.1 Initial concerns3.2 Search for allies3.3 Dealings with Mehmed II3.4 Religious disunity in Constantinople3.5 Final preparationsChapter 4: Fall of Constantinople4.1 Final days and final assault4.2 DeathChapter 5: Legacy5.1 Legends of Constantine's family5.2 Lamentations5.3 The Marble Emperor5.4 Regnal numberChapter 6 : Fall of Constantinople6.1 Preparations6.2 European support6.3 StrengthChapter 7: Siege7.1 Final assault7.2 Plundering phaseChapter 8: Aftermath8.1 Third Rome8.2 Impact on the ChurchesChapter 9: Legacy

Constantine XI Palaiologos

Imperial Twilight

Manuel Palaiologos

The Byzantine Provincial Administration Under the Palaiologoi

The Palaiologos dynasty, a prominent Byzantine ruling family from the 13th to the 15th century, played a pivotal role in the late history of the Byzantine Empire. Known for their enduring influence, the Palaiologos emperors presided over a period marked by both territorial decline and cultural revival, particularly during the Palaiologan Renaissance. Notable figures within the dynasty include Emperor Michael VIII, who restored Byzantine rule in Constantinople, and Emperor Manuel II, a key diplomat during his reign. Their legacy remains a subject of historical fascination, shedding light on the final chapters of the Byzantine Empire and its intricate political and cultural dynamics.

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