The Correspondence of Ignatios the Deacon
The Correspondence of Ignatios the Deacon
By: Cyril Mango, Stephanos Efthymiadis
Ignatios the Deacon’s correspondence affords a unique glimpse into the activity of a Byzantine intellectual in the revival of literary culture that took place at Constantinople in the first half of the ninth century.
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Ignatios the Deacon was a key figure in the revival of literary culture that took place at Constantinople in the first half of the ninth century. He is best known for his hagiographical works, but he also wrote poems, compiled an anthology of ancient proverbs, and edited textbooks. For some time he served as bishop of Nicaea under an Iconoclastic regime, but later repented of his errors and moved into the “orthodox” camp.
Preserved in a single manuscript, Ignatios’s correspondence has remained practically unknown to scholars. Some of the letters deal with literary trifles, while others contain valuable information on the social and economic history of the period. Taken together, they afford a unique glimpse into the activity of a Byzantine intellectual, struggling to survive in a time of bitter doctrinal strife.
Cyril Mango
Cyril Mango is a scholar of the history, art, and architecture of the Byzantine Empire. He is Emeritus Professor of Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature, University of Oxford.
Stephanos Efthymiadis
Stephanos Efthymiadis is Professor in Byzantine Studies, Program in Hellenic Studies, Open University of Cyprus.