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George AkropolitesOne of the greatest Byzantine historians of the 13th century.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1217
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Content:
- George Akropolites: A Distinguished Byzantine Historian
- Courtly Career
- Reign of Theodore II Lascaris
- Return to Constantinople
- Academic Career
- Support for Union with Rome
- Later Life and Legacy
- "History"
- Publication History
George Akropolites: A Distinguished Byzantine Historian
Early Life and EducationGeorge Akropolites was one of the most prominent Byzantine historians of the 13th century. Born in Constantinople in 1217 to a distinguished family, he was sent at the age of 16 to the court of Emperor John III Vatatzes for further education. In Nicaea, he studied under the renowned philosopher Nicephorus Blemmydes, who instructed him in arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, logic, and medicine.
Courtly Career
Around 1239, Akropolites became a courtier of John III and was appointed tutor to the heir apparent, Theodore II Lascaris. He remained close to Theodore until 1256 when their relationship soured. After serving as Logothete of the Genikon, Akropolites accompanied John III on a campaign against Bulgaria and participated in the negotiation of a peace treaty with the Bulgarians in 1246. In 1252, he led an embassy to the Despot of Epirus, Michael II Angelus, which resulted in a peace agreement in Larissa.
Reign of Theodore II Lascaris
Upon his accession to the throne in 1255, Theodore II bestowed upon Akropolites the title of Grand Logothete. They were, however, soon at odds. Theodore, accusing Akropolites of negligence in diplomatic matters, had him beaten with rods in 1256. Despite a reconciliation the following month, their friendship was irreparably damaged.
As a form of compensation, Theodore назначил Akropolites as praetor of the Balkans, but his administration proved unsuccessful. In 1257, he was besieged in Prilep by Epirote forces and forced to surrender to Michael II. He spent two years in captivity in Arta, during which time he wrote two theological treatises, "Against the Latins" and "On the Procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father."
Return to Constantinople
After the victory at Pelagonia in 1259, Akropolites was liberated by the Nicaean army. In 1260, he was sent on a diplomatic mission to Bulgaria. Upon hearing of the capture of Constantinople by Alexis Strategopoulos in 1261, he hastened to the capital, where he was commissioned by Michael VIII Palaiologos to compose thirteen prayers of thanksgiving for the triumphant entry into the city.
Academic Career
Michael VIII sought to restore the Church and promote education in theology and secular subjects. He established a higher education school at the Church of Hagia Sophia, which he entrusted to Akropolites due to his exceptional learning. From 1262 to 1266/67, while free from state duties, Akropolites taught philosophy and began writing his major work, "History."
In 1265, Patriarch German III convinced the emperor to replace Akropolites with the rhetorician Manuel Holovolus. Nevertheless, Akropolites continued to teach mathematics and philosophy from 1267 to 1273. Among his students were the future Patriarch Gregory of Cyprus, the philosopher John Pediasimos, and the historian George Pachymeres.
Support for Union with Rome
Akropolites supported Michael VIII's policy of pursuing a union with the Roman Catholic Church. In 1274, he led an imperial embassy to the Council of Lyons. In Rome, the embassy met with Pope Gregory X, and on June 24, Akropolites swore an oath of submission on behalf of the emperor.
Later Life and Legacy
After the embassy's return in late 1274, little is known about Akropolites' life and activities. The union with the Church had few supporters and failed to achieve its political goals. Michael VIII sought alliances unsuccessfully, and in December 1282, he died. His successor, Andronikos II, annulled the union, and its supporters faced persecution. After Akropolites' death in early 1283, many of his manuscripts were burned as a result of the opposition to the union.
"History"
Akropolites' "History" chronicles events from 1203 to August 1261, with brief excursions into the Angelos dynasty. As a high-ranking official and participant in some of the events, Akropolites provides a valuable source on the history of the Nicaean Empire, the Despotate of Epirus, Bulgaria, and the Latin Empire. He utilized existing sources for the early period and drew upon his own observations for the later events. While idealized in his portrayal of Michael Palaiologos, his narrative is generally considered objective. Akropolites' clear writing style distinguishes him from other Byzantine historians.
Publication History
Akropolites' "History" was first published in an abbreviated version ("Chronicle") in 1614 by Feodor Duzeus in Geneva. The complete text was published by Leo Allatius in Paris in 1651 and reprinted several times in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1903, A. Heisenberg prepared the first critical edition, followed by a second critical edition by P. Wirth in 1978. The "History" has been translated into Russian and English.
