A historical biography of Manuel II Palaiologos (1350-1425)

Celik, Siren (2016). A historical biography of Manuel II Palaiologos (1350-1425). University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This dissertation offers a new biography of Manuel II Palaiologos (1350-1425), attempting to depict him as a ruler, writer and personality. The dissertation is organized as a chronological narrative, each chapter dealing with a time period in Manuel’s life. For the first time, this study offers an in-depth analysis of Manuel’s complete literary, philosophical and theological oeuvre. Some of the key discussions are Manuel’s self-representation and how he adopts various stances and personas under specific conditions, his literary style, the innovations he introduces to topoi and the allusions he makes to Classical authors in order to display his wit and to give different layers of meaning. An attempt is made to gain an insight into Manuel’s thoughts and feelings, his pastimes and his relationships with the literati, family members and foes. This study also strives to envisage Manuel’s surroundings and everyday life, such as his environment in Constantinople and other cities, his travels, the conditions in the campaigns in which he participated, his daily life in the palace, fashions and food. Finally, through an analysis of Byzantine, Western and Ottoman sources, the dissertation studies the political history of the period.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):