Michael V Kalaphates
Byzantine Personal Naming Conventions
Many medieval Byzantines did not use a surname. How the individual chose his surname remained fluid for many years. It often referred back to the area or town where the family originated, or from a family profession or trait.
Lesser Known 11th Century Byzantines, Part 3 – George Maniakes
A great general, George Maniakes, is defeated by palace politics and an unlucky spear thrust.
The Story of Zoe and Her Three Husbands
Once upon a time, in the distant city of Constantinople that was the golden capital of the Roman Empire in the 11th century, lived Princess Zoe. Unfortunately, Zoe’s story diverges from the usual fairy tales with their happy endings. Our Zoe was not a young princess when the story opens. In fact, she was about …
