Power and Representation in Byzantium: The Forging of the Macedonian Dynasty

The book explores how the early Macedonian emperors used art to justify their seizure of power and articulate their ideas about authority. It concludes that imperial art did reflect the personality of the emperor and the political demands of the moment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Throughout the history of Byzantium, a staggering 65 emperors were dethroned, while only 39 reigns ended peacefully. How could a usurper get away with murdering his predecessor? And how could a bloody act of regicide lead to one of the most glorious eras in Byzantium? These were questions that puzzled Michael Psellos as he looked back at Basil II's assassination of Michael III and the origin of the Macedonian dynasty. Might the imperial art of Basil, his sons, and grandson help to explain how the dynasty overcame its violent beginnings and secured the loyalty of its subjects?

It has long been recognised that the early Macedonian emperors were active propagandists, but royal art has usually been viewed thematically over the span of centuries. Official iconography has been understood to project imperial power in ways that were impersonal and unchanging. This book, however, adopts a chronological approach and considers how Basil justified his seizure of power, and how his successors went on to articulate their own ideas about authority. It concludes that imperial art did at times reflect the personality of the emperor and the political demands of the moment, such as the need for an heir, the nature of court politics, or the choice of successor.

This innovative account of the forging of the Macedonian dynasty will appeal to those interested in how early medieval kings and emperors used art to create their own image, to differentiate themselves from rivals, and to extend the boundaries of their personal power.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032185927