Routledge Pseudo-Kodinos and the Constantinopolitan Court

Explore the world of the Byzantine empire through this landmark publication from Routledge. For the first time in English, the fourteenth-century text known as Pseudo-Kodinos is available to readers. This volume provides a rare look into one of only two surviving ceremonial books from the empire, offering a window into a lost era of history and culture. The book features facing page Greek text, allowing for close study of the original source alongside the English translation. Beyond the translation, this work provides the first in-depth analysis of the Byzantine court. Readers can examine the specific hierarchy, ceremonial traditions, and the atmosphere of the Blachernai palace. This volume serves as a significant resource for scholars and history enthusiasts. It covers essential details such as court attire, lighting, music, and the specific gestures and postures used in imperial settings. By documenting these unique traits, the text makes a major contribution to the broader study of Byzantine history and the complexities of its social structures.