Enemy of All Virtues
Once Again on the Image of Simeon the Great in the Oration “On the Treaty with the Bulgarians”
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20390435 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Кirił Marinow (0000-0003-0224-3965, University of Lodz, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 84 |
| Pages | 105-122 |
| Publication date | 2022-12-15 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Vox Patrum (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0860-9411 • E-ISSN: 2719-3586 |
| Publisher | Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawla II (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.31743/vp.14058 |
| OpenAlex | W4311791031 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 6 |
This article focuses on the Bulgarian Tsar Simeon I the Great (893-927), who in the second half of his reign entered into a protracted military and ideological conflict with the Byzantine Empire. He wished not only to extend his dominions at the expense of his southern neighbour, but also to equal him in titular power, and it is possible - although scholars differ on this point - that his aspirations reached even further, namely Constantinople itself. Either way, Bulgaria under his reign posed a serious threat to Byzantium and its main antagonist. The death of the Tsar in 927 and the conclusion of peace with the Empire by his son, Peter I (927-969), finally put an end to the conflict between both the states. The celebrations marking the conclusion of the agreement provided an opportunity to take stock. In a rhetorical speech written for the occasion, Simeon's actions and aspirations were severely criticised – through comparisons to figures from ancient literature and biblical texts, the Byzantine speaker discredited the attitude of this ruler. Comparisons to those of them who aroused negative connotations in listeners and readers deprived Simeon of all the virtues belonging to a Christian ruler and, above all, of the cardinal ones by which he should, above all, legitimise himself
Ancient history · Art · Bulgarian · Byzantine architecture · Diplomacy · Empire · Literature · Political science · Politics · Reign · Rhetorical question · Ruler · Treaty · Byzantine Studies and History · Classics · Eurasian Exchange Networks · Historical and Religious Studies of Rome · History · Law · Philosophy
| Highly cited | No |
|---|