What is it about?

The Chronicle of Symeon the Logothete initially ended in the year 948. The author subsequently extended his text to cover events to 963, the year Nikephoros II Phokas became emperor, while also adding additional interpolations to his earlier work which I append here. I reprint the Greek texts with a new English translation, introduction and annotations. The interpolations focus on the origins and early history of the Phokas family, beginning with Phokas’ great grandfather and the family’s relationship with the then emperor Basil II beginning in the 870s, clearly intended to enhance the reputation of the new emperor Phokas. The extended text presents the continuing role of Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos, grandson of Basil II, sole emperor from 945, with a highly positive view of his various activities, interests and decisions. He relieved the aged Bardas Phokas as supreme military commander, and appointed his son Nikephoros to replace him, although the author indicates Nikephoros was reluctant. There follows documented high praise for Nikephoros’ military skill and subsequent references to his conquest of Crete in 961 and sack of Aleppo in 962. The text (and manuscript) end abruptly with the army’s acclamation of him as emperor.

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Why is it important?

The interpolated texts provide valuable information on the longstanding relationship between the Phokades and the family of the emperor Constantine VII. The extended text 948-963 adds much to our knowledge of Constantine VII personally as well as on Phokas’ military actions on Crete and in Aleppo.

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This page is a summary of: Text 2: The Revised Chronicle of Symeon the Logothete for the Years 948–963 from Vat. gr. 163 and the Interpolations on Nikephoros the Elder from Vat. gr. 153, October 2018, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004382169_004.
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