Engaging the Audience: Use of Classicization in Middle Byzantine Hagiography

초록

This study investigates the range of authorial techniques used to classicize the hagiographical narrative. This is directly related to Byzantium’s cultural identity as the heir to the classical Greco-Roman world and, especially during the middle Byzantine period (ninth to eleventh century), and the thirst by a highly educated audience to read an eloquently written story. Amongst numerous examples produced during this period, which was arguably the cultural Zenith of this medieval Empire, I have chosen to examine the Life of Theoktiste of Lesbos by Niketas Magistros, some selected stories from the redacted Menologion of Symeon Metaphrastes, the anonymously written Life of Leo of Catania, and the Life of Basil the Younger by his hypothetical disciple pseudo-Gregory. My decision is inclined by the following two historical issues: their protagonists successfully established the individual cult through their help and they were written specifically to appeal to the educated audience of Byzantium. These texts, which were very successful in the middle Byzantine society, are written in eloquent language. This reflects not only the author’s wish to establish his own educational background but also his desire to impress his intended audience. In particular this is demonstrated through embellishing the writing with a high register of Greek and intertextuality. The audience, especially an educated one, would become more engaged with the author’s narration as they found the clues that would lead them back to classical and Christian literature they have read in the past.

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