Michael Psellus
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Government and Politics, Philosophy, Education, Religion, Ethics
- Subcategories: Politicians, Diplomats, Authors, Writers, Philosophers, Theology, Theologians, Empires, Dynasties, Historians, Byzantine Empire
- Curriculum: Medieval History/Middle Ages, Middle Eastern History
Article abstract: Psellus infused both Byzantine state theory and Orthodox theology with a revived classical tradition, while preserving a history of the personalities and events of his times.
Early Life
Constantine Psellus, who took the name Michael only when he withdrew to a monastery in 1054, was born in 1018 into a family with imperial connections but only modest means. The coemperors at the time were the elderly brothers Basil II (reigned 976-1025) and Constantine VIII (reigned 976-1028). Psellus’ own family is but poorly known. Although nothing...
[The entire page is 2405 words long]
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