Michael Psellos

Michael Psellos
Μιχαήλ Ψελλός
Michael Psellos (left) with his student, Byzantine emperor Michael VII Doukas
Born
Constantine Michael Psellos

c. 1018
Diedc. 1096
Scientific career
FieldsTheology, philosophy, psychology, historiography
InstitutionsUniversity of Constantinople
Doctoral advisorJohn Mauropous
Doctoral studentsJohn Italus, Michael Attaleiates, Michael VII Doukas, Constantine Leichoudes

Michael Psellos or Psellus (Greek: Μιχαὴλ Ψελλός, romanizedMichaḗl Psellós, Byzantine Greek: [mixaˈil pseˈlːos]) was a Byzantine Greek monk, savant, writer, philosopher, imperial courtier, historian and music theorist.[1] He was born in 1017 or 1018, and is believed to have died in 1078, although it has also been maintained that he remained alive until 1096. He served as a high ranking courtier and advisor to several Byzantine emperors and was instrumental in the re-positioning of power of those emperors. Psellos has made lasting contributions to Byzantine culture by advocating for the revival of Byzantine classical studies, which would later influence the Italian Renaissance, as well as by interpreting Homeric literature and Platonic philosophy as precursors and integral components of Christian doctrine.[2] His texts combined theology, philosophy, and psychology. Among his most famous works are his Commentary on Plato’s Teachings on the Origin of the Soul, and the Chronographia, a series of biographies from emperor Basil II to Nikephoros III, which serves as a valuable source on the history of the 11th century Byzantine Empire.[3][2]

  1. ^ Richter, Lukas (2001). "Psellus [Psellos], Michael". Grove Music Online. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.22501. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0. Retrieved 25 September 2021. (subscription or UK public library membership required)
  2. ^ a b "Michael Psellus". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
  3. ^ Cartwright, Mark. "Michael Psellos". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2024-03-12.