72438 - Social History of the Byzantine World (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course aims at conveying to the student the knowledge of mentality and values of the Byzantine society, as well as the evolution of its social structure and features of its economic life (landscape and settlements, money, factors of production, distribution and consumption). At the end of the course the students is able to contextualize critically the acquired notions in the framework of the socio-economic history of late antique and medieval Mediterranean. He is able to read specialised literature in at least one foreign language.

Course contents

Course Title: Eunuchs in the Byzantine World: The Rise, Zenith and Fall of John the Orphanotrophos (Eleventh Century)

 

The Byzantine world assigned eunuchs a prominent role in the civil administration, the military, and the higher clergy. Their presence within the key institutions of Byzantine society increased from the late fourth century onwards, reaching its peak during the eleventh century. It was in this period that one of the most influential court eunuchs, John the Orphanotrophos, rose to prominence, securing the throne for his brother Michael IV (r. 1034–1041) and later promoting the accession of his nephew Michael V (r. 1041–1042). Following an introductory overview of the presence and role of eunuchs in Byzantium—which will also provide an opportunity to examine broader aspects of Byzantine civilisation—the course will focus on the figure of John the Orphanotrophos. Particular attention will be devoted to his portrayal in Books IV and V of Michael Psellos’ Chronographia, which will serve as the principal source for analysing his career and political influence.

Readings/Bibliography

― G. Ostrogorsky, Storia dell’impero bizantino, trad. it. Torino 1968 (o edizioni successive).

 

― M.D. Spadaro, “Gli eunuchi nell'impero bizantino”, in Comportamenti e immaginario della sessualità nell'Alto Medioevo, Spoleto, 2006, pp. 535-66.

 

― Marzio Barbagli, Uomini senza. Storia degli eunuchi e del declino della violenza, Bologna 2023, pp. 71-170.

 

P.S. Michael Psellos will be read and discussed in the following edition: Michael Psellos, Imperatori di Bisanzio (Cronografia), vol. I (Libri I–VI 75), introduction by Dario Del Corno, critical edition by Salvatore Impellizzeri, commentary by Ugo Criscuolo, translation by Silvia Ronchey, Scrittori greci e latini, Fondazione Lorenzo Valla, Milan, 1984, pp. 114–225 (the reigns of Michael IV and Michael V).

 

P.S. Students who do not attend the course are required to read: G. Cavallo (ed.), L’uomo bizantino, Rome–Bari, 1992.

 

Teaching methods

The first part of the course (14 hours) is designed as a series of traditional lectures, during which the lecturer will introduce the broader themes of the course, supported by PowerPoint presentations. The second part (16 hours), in addition to addressing research methodology and the terminology and key concepts of historical study, will focus on the reading and analysis of selected passages from Books IV and V of Michael Psellos’ Chronographia relating to John the Orphanotrophos. Particular emphasis will be placed on encouraging students to appreciate the importance of primary sources in historical research. The passages from the Chronographia to be discussed will be distributed during the lectures.

 

P.S. International students wishing to attend the course are expected to have a minimum proficiency in Italian at B2 level.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by oral examination.

The examination is designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of both the general and the specialised (monographic) components of the course.

The final mark is calculated as follows:

• Part A – General component of the course: up to 14/30;
• Part B – Monographic component of the course: up to 16/30.
•  
• The final grade will be based on the relevance and accuracy of responses, appropriate use of the technical terminology related to the course, coherent and logical argumentation, and the ability to demonstrate critical thinking—that is, the capacity to identify connections, similarities, and differences among historical phenomena.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

― Translations of sources 

― power-point presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Salvatore Cosentino