Patriarch Dioscorus of Alexandria: The Last Pharaoh and Ecclesiastical Politics in the Later Roman Empire

Patriarch Dioscorus of Alexandria was a key figure in the Christological controversy of the fifth century, and this book offers a revision of his historical role as patriarch of Alexandria between 444 and 451 CE. It challenges the negative stereotypes of Dioscorus as a ruthless and ambitious tyrant-bishop and presents him as an ecclesiastical politician and reformer. The book discusses Dioscorus' role as president of the Second Council of Ephesus and his downfall and deposition at the Council of Chalcedon, and how the Christological controversy can only be fully understood against the background of imperial politics in the Later Roman Empire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Patriarch Dioscorus of Alexandria, the final pharaoh of Alexandria and the intricacies of ecclesiastical politics within the Later Roman Empire, are explored in depth in the book. Dioscorus, a central figure in the Christological controversy, was revered as a saint in Eastern Church traditions that opposed the Council of Chalcedon in 451. However, Western Church traditions portray him as a heretic and violent villain, and much scholarship perpetuates this portrayal of Dioscorus as a ruthless and ambitious tyrant-bishop, feared by his opponents. This book challenges these negative stereotypes and presents the first comprehensive historical analysis of Dioscorus as an ecclesiastical politician and reformer. It delves into the discrepancy between Dioscorus' theological allegiance to his renowned predecessor Cyril of Alexandria (412-444) and his political leadership of the anti-Cyrillian party in Alexandria. Menze also offers a fresh perspective on the actions of the Second Council of Ephesus in 449 and Dioscorus' downfall and deposition at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. By reassessing Dioscorus' life and role, the book underscores the importance of understanding the Christological controversy of the fifth century within the context of imperial politics and the mechanisms employed to enforce Orthodoxy in the Later Roman Empire.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192871336