Anthony Kaldellis

The Argument of Psellos' Chronographia (Studien Und Texte Zur Geistesgeschichte Des Mittelalters) Anthony Kaldellis

This work 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 exposed 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 text should interest all who study the history of ancient and medieval philosophy.