Excerpta Constantiniana and the Byzantine Appropriation of the Past

The Excerpta project, initiated by Constantine VII, transformed Greek historiography into a collection of excerpts, focusing on its dependence on Byzantine culture and fostering the biographical turn. This book explores theoretical questions and provides new ways to explore the Excerpta in Byzantine studies and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Excerpta project, initiated by the Byzantine emperor Constantine VII, transformed the vast wealth of Greek historiography into a comprehensive collection of excerpts, organized into fifty-three distinct thematic collections. In this groundbreaking study, András Németh delves beyond the mere perception of the Excerpta as a mere aggregation of textual fragments and explores its profound connection and influence on the Byzantine culture of the tenth century. He introduces the concept of appropriation, which serves as a lens through which he examines other significant texts that were created under the sway of the Excerpta. Unlike traditional world chronicles, the Excerpta disregarded the chronological dimension of history and instead embraced a biographical approach to historiography. By delving into theoretical inquiries such as the classification and retrieval of historical information, as well as the intricate relationship between knowledge and political power, this book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the Excerpta, shedding light on its significance in Byzantine studies and extending its reach beyond.

The Excerpta project, initiated by the Byzantine emperor Constantine VII, transformed the vast wealth of Greek historiography into a comprehensive collection of excerpts, organized into fifty-three distinct thematic collections. In this groundbreaking study, András Németh delves beyond the mere perception of the Excerpta as a mere aggregation of textual fragments and explores its profound connection and influence on the Byzantine culture of the tenth century. He introduces the concept of appropriation, which serves as a lens through which he examines other significant texts that were created under the sway of the Excerpta. Unlike traditional world chronicles, the Excerpta disregarded the chronological dimension of history and instead embraced a biographical approach to historiography. By delving into theoretical inquiries such as the classification and retrieval of historical information, as well as the intricate relationship between knowledge and political power, this book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the Excerpta, shedding light on its significance in Byzantine studies and extending its reach beyond.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108438216