Comments on: Blue versus Green: Rocking the Byzantine Empire

By: john alexander

john alexander — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 05:28:24 +0000

Excellent article. Could have given more details regarding the Orthodox, iconoclast and other affiliations of the 4 factions

By: Mike Dash

Mike Dash — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:49:06 +0000

Cameron’s main target was Jacques Jarry’s Hérésies et Factiones dans l’Empire byzantin du IVe et VIIe siècle (1968), “a book whose spectacular marriage of traditional falsehood with original fantasy has put it beyond the reach of original criticism,” but he makes it clear a large part of the problem is that the subject had never been thoroughly examined and a number of conjectures dating back to c.1900 had gradually become accepted as “truth.” In this context he approvingly notes Rudé’s contention that “upper class writers can and all too often do get both the composition and the aims of popular movements completely wrong.” My research indicated his views have not been significantly challenged since he published his book, but I would be happy to be shown to be wrong. While it would have been great to discuss the historiographical debate, there was no room; Past Imperfect articles are already pretty long for blog posts.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:35:04 +0000

I am currently writing a thesis on this and I find this article VERY interesting! Unfortunately, the text introduces Cameron’s view without examining the evidence to the contrary–or even what the evidence he was rebutting–all the way back in the 70′s! That was a LONG time ago in academia…perhaps, too long? Indeed, a noble effort.

By: Ana M. Anchondo

Ana M. Anchondo — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:01:30 +0000

Impressive!… What archaeologists and researchers have done in order for us to have this information. Thank you!

By: Geo Michalopulos

Geo Michalopulos — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:52:50 +0000

enjoyable read for those into Byzantine history.

By: Mstfa

Mstfa — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:48:19 +0000

Masterful story-telling. I am now curious learn more about the Monophysists and how the Green faction came to represent a reformist faction.

By: Jan

Jan — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:49:52 +0000

A wonderful historical summary. Thanks!