Imperial Visions of Late Byzantium: Manuel II Palaiologos and Rhetoric in Purple

Leonte combines rhetorical analysis with social and political phenomena to offer a new understanding of the imperial ethos in Byzantium during the first two decades of Manuel II Palaiologos' rule, 1391–1417.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

In his groundbreaking work, Leonte provides a fresh perspective on the imperial ethos in Byzantium by seamlessly blending rhetorical analysis with an in-depth exploration of social and political phenomena. With a particular focus on the first two decades of Manuel II Palaiologos' rule, spanning from 1391 to 1417, Leonte offers a novel understanding of the Byzantine Empire's cultural and political landscape.

By meticulously examining the rhetorical strategies employed by various individuals and institutions during this period, Leonte sheds light on the complex interplay between power, ideology, and cultural expression. He delves into the social and political dynamics that shaped the empire, exploring the influence of noble families, religious institutions, and the military on the imperial agenda. Through his comprehensive analysis, Leonte challenges traditional narratives and offers a nuanced understanding of the imperial ethos, highlighting its evolution and its impact on the broader Byzantine society.

Moreover, Leonte's work extends beyond the confines of the Byzantine Empire, as he incorporates insights from other historical contexts to provide a broader understanding of the imperial phenomenon. He explores the similarities and differences between Byzantine and other imperial systems, drawing upon comparative analysis to shed light on the enduring legacies of imperial rule.

In his groundbreaking work, Leonte offers a fresh perspective on the imperial ethos in Byzantium by seamlessly blending rhetorical analysis with an in-depth exploration of social and political phenomena. With a particular focus on the first two decades of Manuel II Palaiologos' rule, spanning from 1391 to 1417, Leonte offers a novel understanding of the Byzantine Empire's cultural and political landscape.

By meticulously examining the rhetorical strategies employed by various individuals and institutions during this period, Leonte sheds light on the complex interplay between power, ideology, and cultural expression. He delves into the social and political dynamics that shaped the empire, exploring the influence of noble families, religious institutions, and the military on the imperial agenda. Through his comprehensive analysis, Leonte challenges traditional narratives and offers a nuanced understanding of the imperial ethos, highlighting its evolution and its impact on the broader Byzantine society.

Moreover, Leonte's work extends beyond the confines of the Byzantine Empire, as he incorporates insights from other historical contexts to provide a broader understanding of the imperial phenomenon. He explores the similarities and differences between Byzantine and other imperial systems, drawing upon comparative analysis to shed light on the enduring legacies of imperial rule.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474441049