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The revolt of Theophilos Erotikos (1042) and the "nation of the Cypriots"

• Γεωργίου, Σταύρος

In this study we examine the information in the sources on the revolt of Theophilos Erotikos and especially the reference of John Skylitzes to the «ethnos ton Kyprion (the nation of the Cypriots)». This reference has led certain researchers to support the opinion that the Cypriots felt different from the rest of Byzantines and that they desired self-govemement.As is proven, however, by the sources and on the basis of our knowledge of similar cases, Theophilos Erotikos’ act was a revolt which under the circumstances aimed at furthering the claim of imperial authority. Such movements were a frequent phenomenon during the Byzantine Era.Regarding the word «ethnos», it is clear, on the basis of the study of the sources, that Byzantines used it with meanings markedly distinct from the current one (natio). It usually had narrow geographic meaning (e.g. the natio of the Cypriots, the natio of the Cretans), the biblical meaning of not-Jews (gentiles), the patristic meaning of the followers of the ancient religion (pagans) etc.

• History and Archaeology
• Political Science

• Ιστορία
• Political development
• Political culture

Το άρθρο περιέχεται στο αφιέρωμα στη μνήμη του Δημητρίου Γ. Τσάμη