ACCLAMATIONS AND POLITICAL POWER IN THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE AND THE ROMANIAN PRINCIPALITIES Cover Image

ACLAMAȚIILE ȘI PUTEREA POLITICĂ ÎN IMPERIUL BIZANTIN ȘI ȚĂRILE ROMÂNE
ACCLAMATIONS AND POLITICAL POWER IN THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE AND THE ROMANIAN PRINCIPALITIES

Author(s): Eduard Rusu
Subject(s): History, Middle Ages
Published by: Editura Palatul Culturii
Keywords: acclamation; political power; music; Byzantine Empire; Romanian Principalities;

Summary/Abstract: The acclamations were an important and defining part of the Byzantine court ceremony. A poetic-musical species, they were permanently present around the emperor, highlighting his authority and superiority over others, but also the divine source of his power, as he was considered to be the messenger and later the anointed of God. In both his political and spiritual capacity as leader, the basileus was congratulated during each public appearance by chanting these acclamations, with a rich theological meaning, not only by the members of political factions – the most important being the “Greens” and the “Blues”– but also by the people, the one who represents the collective character in the context of these manifestations. The acclamations were also a way of communicating and expressing support or even disapproval of the masses towards the policy pursued by the sovereign or towards any other aspect of public interest. Regarding the Romanian Principalities, although much diminished in importance and symbolism compared to the Byzantine ones, the acclamations had rather a key role during the ceremony at the princely court. On the Romanian territory, they can be found most frequently in the context of the ceremonial enthronement of one of the two countries, as this was the most representative moment in the life of a ruler, as well as the most important opportunity to manifest and highlight his power.

  • Issue Year: 2020
  • Issue No: 39
  • Page Range: 105-133
  • Page Count: 29
  • Language: Romanian