Traits of a successful Byzantine emperor from the perspective of Michael Psellus - Research Paper Example

TOPIC:   Traits of a successful Byzantine emperor from the perspective of Michael Psellus Introduction Michael Psellus was a prominent figure in the Byzantine history, being a philosopher as well as being a politician. In Psellus’ own account, he portrays himself as being highly educated and having had the attribute of being among the learned persons of his time. He was not only an early Byzantine scholar, but he also was an avid student of ancient Hellenistic philosophical schools of thought as well1. Therefore, the fact that Psellus was a master of rhetoric in addition to being a philosopher caused him to be regarded as being a philosophical-authority-figure as well as being regarded as a credible advisor on political matters. In his historical works, he describes the attributes of the various emperors (it is notable that he had shifted his political alignment numerous times during his lifetime, thus implying that he had assessed Emperors and shifted allegiances when he perceived that an Emperor was weak). Thus, one can make the argument that Psellus was a pragmatists and a proto-Machiavellian figure, as evidenced by his political career, and the standards by which he assessed politicians and emperors. From reading Psellus’ Chronographia, one can arrive to the conclusion that Psellus’ ideas on what constituted a successful emperor were derived from the earlier Byzantine history (since the notorious “dirty power politics” that one can observe throughout the late Byzantine history can be traced to the earlier Roman times). Therefore, the traits that would make one a good Byzantine emperor were theorized by Psellus at a time when the Byzantine Empire was enjoying a century of success, stability and expansion (while also going through difficult times later on). Thus, Psellus himself was a high-class Byzantine political figure who was actively involved with the court politics of the Byzantine Emperors2. Since Psellus had specialized in court politics, his perspective is inseparable from the Constantinopolitan political culture. Various political events that took place in Psellus’ time and the reigns of various emperors that greatly differed from each other provided Psellus with a wide-range of political experience to derive his assessment model from, since he always had the opportunity to observe how the imperial court had functioned under different emperors. Michael Psellus Traits of a Successful Byzantine Emperor In his book, the Fourteen Byzantine Rulers, Psellus provides a first-hand account that includes observations of blatant mismanagement, unethical political practices, incompetence, as well as successful or exemplary incidents that he attributes to various Byzantine emperors and politicians. Since Psellus was a member of the Byzantine court for nearly a quarter century, he was able to not only observe but also interact with various emperors. This enabled him to better comprehend the various traits and ruling-styles of different emperors and thus form connections between the traits of a particular emperor and how those traits related to economic growth, military success, or the general well-being of the Empire at different instances throughout his career3. It should be noted though, that Psellus’ views were undoubtedly influenced by the norms of his time. Thus, Psellus’ political assessments also have a historical touch to it, apart from only concerning the discipline of political science. From the first to the last of the fourteen emperors, Psellus provides the following traits as being necessary for Byzantine Emperor to be a successful ruler4. Alertness, thoughtfulness and Intelligence The notion that these series of traits are necessary for an emperor to be successful is evidenced by the after-math of the demise of John Tzimisces. The legible heirs to the throne were Basil and Constantine, and both of them had been gaining political power prior to the death of Tzimisces. Michael Psellus explains that the two heirs had different political profiles, and that Basil was the preferred heir (who did end up becoming emperor) on the grounds that he had a strong impression of intelligence, alertness, and thoughtfulness. Although these words may come across as being too vague and broad, the fact that Psellus specified them as being positive traits indicate that Basil was more politically-aware and intelligent compared to Constantine5. Constantine, on the other hand, was devoted to a luxurious lifestyle, and he was perceived as being politically apathetic and lazy. Although Basil was a young man with no solid governmental experience, he was smart enough to seek assistance from the office of Parakoimomenos, as opposed to being too self-confident and risking political failure. At the same time, he also had the help of his half-brother in governing. Therefore, Basil was able to decently govern the Empire at a young age, thanks to his intelligence and political-alertness. Furthermore, Basil did not always rely on mentors, and developed his own governing expertise as he matured as the emperor. Organizer and a Planner According to Psellus, another necessary condition for a Byzantine Emperor to be successful was to be an excellent organizer and a planner. For instance, the general theme throughout the entire reign of Emperor Michael’s was that, good thinking and visualizing power acted as a positive weapon for him. Due to these qualities, his time period of reign was still remembered in history. In addition to this, Psellus attributes that due to lack of proper planning and organizing skills of the Emperor, he was defeated and perished after a successful reign of seven years. Apparently it was notable that the last few Emperors, after the death of Emperor Michael, retained for a longer period of time. This was mainly due to their strong leadership skills and intellectual powers. Along with this, their well-organized officials such John also supported them for their up-liftment and success6. According to Psellus, a successful Byzantine emperor needs high analyzing skills along with motivation powers, so as to maintain and control the people, senate and the army effectively. Moreover, he also needs to be extremely shrewd and calculate, so that varied types of mysteries can be easily solved, without the use of military powers. Therefore, Psellus depicts that, in order to become a successful Emperor, along with planning and organizing skills, competency and communication also adds extra flavors to his image6. Slow Temperament, Selfless and respect of humanity According to the perspective of Psellus’, another successful trait of Byzantine Emperor was moderate temperaments and low enthusiasm for attainment of power and recognition. In addition to this, commitment and strong determination level were also required to become a strong leader. Due to which, most of the rebels of that time were brutally assaulted owing to wrong judgments of Constantine, and the war also came to an end, due to lack of wage. It was highly criticized by Psellus. The rebels were highly punished, and captivated. Thus, in most of the cases, this type of situation arises, due to lack of sobriety leadership and low thinking power. As a consequence, it also results into mistrust among the other members, emergence of division and factions and downfall of the entire empire. Thus, it can be stated that ambition of power along with suppress of the desires of the citizens might result in negative consequences. A good emperor needs to be more devoted and honest towards his citizens, to retain his empire. Psellus states in his book that emperors comprising of quick-temperament and uncontrolled anger were keener towards baseless rumors because of their mental belief of betrayal, mainly observed during the horrible rule of Emperor Constantine. After asserting the above mentioned facts, it can be portrayed that a successful Byzantine leader needs to be more judgmental and kind towards his citizens. Characteristics such banishments along with tough and ruthless treatment of the malefactors, were signs of cruelty and mistrust. Furthermore, a successful Emperor should never render the citizens of his empire helpless during his rule. In regard to the respect of humanity, Psellus states that Emperor needs to be more calculative, so that a clear differentiation can be maintained between those who executed crime and those merely suspected. Additionally, so as to be respected by all the citizens in the Empire, punishment needs be awarded in accordance to the committed offence. A successful emperor also requires the ability to maintain the Empires’ established policies irrespective of the categories of the subjects. If the degree of anger and the level of temperament of an Emperor can be controlled, then it might prove extremely fruitful for his empire. Apart from this, a successful Byzantine emperor might also encompass the ability to heed and hear advices, so as to foster harmony and understanding within the entire Empire7. Psellus also highlights that a successful Byzantine Emperor needs to be more generous and open-minded, while making decisions. This quality gets reflected within his management and controlling skills, leading to a praise-worthy image within the empire. In addition to the respect of humanity the emperor also need to accord respect and honor to all people in the empire, so as to maintain uniqueness. A good emperor might also offer the audiences embassies, as a show of kindness, in order to administer the matters concerning the empire very effectively and efficiently by seating royally on the throne of the empire. At times, in order to attain feedbacks of the citizens, an emperor might also call for dictations, highlighting issues of the empire. In such situations, the citizens might include the power to deliver easily their thoughts and opinions, in front of the empire of the emperor. Competence on the Affairs of the Empire In regard to this trait, a successful Byzantine emperor needs to offer more dedication and commitment, so as to solve the matters related to empire. The emperor also needs to attend the ambassadors in his court in accurate timings8. He needs to be more analytic, so as to understand the priority of the jobs, and categories them accordingly. Highest priority needs to be offered on the important matters concerning the governance of the empire. According to Psellus, in order to manage the empire successful, an Emperor, might encompass the ability to persuade the counselors on the various matters on the basis of actual facts, for the betterment of the empire. Along with this, avenue of consultations need to be established to ensure that all types of conflicts related to both of current governance and future can be addressed. Psellus’ proposition on this describes that only through proper channel and ways of negotiations might resolve issues, without any sort of conflicts. This might also provide the emperor the ability, to make the citizens support his decisions and views9. The emperor in order to be successful might also include the ability to recognize his lines of duties and responsibilities, so as to control the operations of the empire in a very successful manner. Furthermore, Psello asserts, that a successful Emperor can be judged only by his competency to control the empire. This is regarded as one of the important aspect, which might improve the popularity of the emperor within his empire among others. This might also enhance the perception power of the emperor as well the visibility, resulting in betterment of the empire in future times10. Moreover, to foster acceptance and influence within the Empire he might be recognized as one of the most suitable candidate, fit for the position of the emperor. Imperial dignity can also be regarded as another imperative feature of the Emperor, improving his image and distinctiveness within the empire. It might also facilitate him to become a noticeable leader in all aspects of the citizens of the Kingdom. All the above mentioned aspects need to be similar both in terms of solving the matters of family as well as the others, so that the emperor might be better accepted and understood by the citizens of the Kingdom. This aspect of competence according to Psellus’ perspective might be argued as the core pillar, facilitating to overwhelm any sort of conflicts or rebels. The empire of Byzantine visualized many uprising mainly by the generals of the army due to poor leadership and incompetency of the Emperor. Effective Negotiator As described by Psellus a good negotiator plays a very vital role within an empire such as Byzantine. Asserting from the above facts due to the incapability of the Emperor of Byzantine Empire to negotiate, varied types of miss-confusion raised. During that period, if the emperor encompasses the ability to negotiate, then various types of tribulations might get reduced. The trait of weakness with a character might not be accepted in a negotiation table. While negotiating with the advisors on matters regarding governing of the empire, an emperor needs to more optimistic in nature. Psellus illustrates that due to weak personality, Emperor Michael failed to negotiate with the Top advisor and the head of the government, John11. Making biased judgments, might result in conflicts not fame. Arrogance might also lead to negative outcomes in any event of negotiations. The Emperor while negotiating might answer the questions with extreme patience so as to listen to the grievances of the negotiating parties. The importance of negotiation can be viewed in the context of an effective Byzantine emperor Michael addressing the issue of the Isaac Comnenus revolt. As a way to mitigate the rebellion, a negotiating embassy, can be send to Comnenus. The Emperor relied entirely on the success of the negotiations but unfortunately it failed. It failed because the Emperor Michael failed to maintain patience and persistence. Therefore the art of negotiation was very important in resolving the conflicts12. According to the perspective of Psellus’ character and the traits of an Emperor, plays a significant influence while shaping the leadership skills. The personal appearance including the natural personality and nobility of the Emperor also offers extra colors and vigorous. It was also evident that during the reign of Basil, his two fold character enabled him to adapt and solve varied types of crises concerning war. This earned him the attribute of being a villain during the time of war and a leader of Byzantine during the time of peace13. During his reign he showed interest on the affairs of the Byzantine people taking sensible course of actions, and decisions for the up-liftment of the empire. Unlike the rule of his brother Constantine, the reign was characterized with corruption and lack of humanity within Byzantine Empire. During this reign there was a lot of jeopardy in contrast of Basil reign of Constantine characterized by selfishness. He never took care of the affairs of the Empires, with generous policies and strategies. So, his personal traits created much suspicion and vengeance among the empire14. All these were mainly due to sluggish attribute of the emperor, resulting to its downfall15. Ascribing to this perspective of Psellus, incumbent Emperor might prove extremely beneficial for the empire. Conclusion In summary it can be evident that Michael Psellus worked under the reign of various emperors before his death. Due to which, he was able to offer strong analysis over the attributes of varied individuals. From the description of the various characters he tried to point out the difference between the traits of a successful Byzantine Empire. His participation in the palace politics also offers him an opportunity to know the fourteenth Byzantine Emperor, thoroughly. It was also important to note according to Psellus that the character of an Emperor offers high influence, while decision making. This was evident that the varying characters and attributes of the varied Emperors resulted into diverse political events, presenting different scenarios. Work Cited Psellus, Michael. Fourteen Byzantine Rulers: The Chronographia of Michael Psellus. London: Penguin Books Limited, 1979. Read More