Fourteen Byzantine Rulers by Michael Psellus

The “Chronographia” does criticize Monomachos for his spendthrift habits, listing them in some detail. Whether or not he had much influence on policy is in question. This emperor promoted him into higher positions and held Psellos in high esteem, naming him Chief of the Philosophers at Constantinople’s university. Psellos was part of the imperial government prior to the reign of Monomachos, but still early in his career. So it is worthwhile examining how that worked out. However, Psellos’ does brag in his history about how much influence he had on the emperors he served. He never states in the “Chronographia” what actual policies he determined, nor do the other historians of the period, Michael Attaleiates and John Skylitzes.

Most of that time saw this prototype of the essential bureaucrat in senior positions of influence. Michael Psellos’ involvement in the imperial administration of the Byzantine Empire spanned about forty years. This is the third and last of three posts on Michael Psellos and his impact on medieval Byzantium.