Top of page

Book/Printed Material History of Byzantium.

About this Item

Title

  • History of Byzantium.

Summary

  • This Greek manuscript on parchment dating from the 12th to the 13th centuries is one of the most valuable codices in the National Library of Spain, treasured for the richness of its illumination. The work, by Ioannes Scylitza (flourished 1081), is a history of the Byzantine emperors from 811 to 1057, covering events from the proclamation of Michael I Rangabe in 811 to the reign of Michael VI in 1056--57. The manuscript contains 577 miniatures by different artists. Most of the scenes are accompanied by a caption that explains their meaning. The miniatures illustrate the passages in the text, and include views of fortresses, war scenes, scenes of life at court, depictions of corporal punishments, and other more refined and delicate scenes of a religious nature, such as baptisms and the ordination of patriarchs. The first illuminations, in clear tones, are distinguished by their simplicity and the realism of the figures. These are followed by complex scenes drawn with rough lines, sometimes with grotesque traits of naturalism, followed by larger compositions of vigorous and vivacious design, with simple costumes, well-modeled bodies, and realism in the popular types. The manuscript was probably written in Palermo, Sicily. It belonged to the monastery of San Salvador de Faro de Messina until the end of the 16th century, when it passed to the cathedral at Messina. In 1690, it became the property of the dukes of Uceda, until Philip V confiscated the rich ducal library, after which it came into the custody of the National Library in Madrid.

Names

  • Scylitzes, John, flourished 1081 Author.

Created / Published

  • Palermo, Italy : [publisher not identified], [1100 to 1299]

Headings

  • -  811 to 1057
  • -  Byzantine Empire
  • -  Codex
  • -  Illuminations
  • -  Kings and rulers
  • -  Miniatures (Illuminations)

Notes

  • -  Title devised, in English, by Library staff.
  • -  Original resource extent: 234 folios : parchment.
  • -  Original resource at: National Library of Spain.
  • -  Content in Ancient Greek (to 1453).
  • -  Description based on data extracted from World Digital Library, which may be extracted from partner institutions.

Medium

  • 1 online resource.

Source Collection

  • Illuminated Manuscripts from Europe

Digital Id

Library of Congress Control Number

  • 2021667859

Online Format

  • compressed data
  • pdf
  • image

Additional Metadata Formats

IIIF Presentation Manifest

Rights & Access

The Library of Congress is unaware of any copyright or other restrictions in the World Digital Library Collection. Absent any such restrictions, these materials are free to use and reuse. Researchers are encouraged to review the source information attached to each item. For information on contacting WDL partner organizations, see this archived list of partners

The Library asks that researchers approach the materials in this collection with respect for the culture and sensibilities of the people whose lives, ideas, and creativity are documented here.

Credit Line: [Original Source citation], World Digital Library

More about Copyright and other Restrictions

For additional information and contact information for many of the partner organizations, see this archived capture of the World Digital Library site from 2021.

For guidance about compiling full citations consult Citing Primary Sources.

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Scylitzes, John, Flourished 1081 Author. History of Byzantium. [Palermo, Italy: publisher not identified, to 1299, 1100] Pdf. https://www.loc.gov/item/2021667859/.

APA citation style:

Scylitzes, J. (1100) History of Byzantium. [Palermo, Italy: publisher not identified, to 1299] [Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2021667859/.

MLA citation style:

Scylitzes, John, Flourished 1081 Author. History of Byzantium. [Palermo, Italy: publisher not identified, to 1299, 1100] Pdf. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2021667859/>.