The History of Byzantium Episode 336 - 10 Influential East Romans with Anthony Kaldellis. Part 2
Jan 14, 2026
In a captivating discussion, Professor Anthony Kaldellis, a leading Byzantinist from the University of Chicago, delves into the lives of lesser-known yet influential East Romans. Topics include the scholarly contributions of Photius and Anna Komnene, highlighting Photius's role in preserving classical texts and Anna's sponsorship of philosophers. Kaldellis also explores Michael Psellos's integration of Neoplatonism into Byzantine thought and George Gemistos Plethon's radical ideas that challenged Orthodox norms, illuminating their lasting impacts on culture and identity.
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Photius: Scholar And Schism Flashpoint
- Photius preserved and cataloged a vast number of classical and Christian texts, giving modern scholars a window into lost works.
- He also became a central figure in early East–West church tensions, shaping the long filioque and papal authority debates.
Rethinking Photius's Reputation
- Photius balanced administrative alignment with emperors and broad intellectual activity rather than being an outright villain.
- Western sources long painted him as the culprit for East–West ruptures, a narrative modern scholars have revised.
New Narrative Tools In Byzantine History
- Psellos used novels and tragic imagery to craft new historiographical techniques rather than copying classical models.
- His authorial presence and narrative camera techniques created a new genre of character-driven history.
