Images of the Emperors John II and Manuel I in the Accounts of William, Archbishop of Tyre Cover Image

Images of the Emperors John II and Manuel I in the Accounts of William, Archbishop of Tyre
Images of the Emperors John II and Manuel I in the Accounts of William, Archbishop of Tyre

Author(s): Zdzisław Pentek
Subject(s): History, Middle Ages
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: William of Tyre; John II Komnenos; Manuel I Komnenos; Byzantine Empire; Principality of Antioch; Kingdom of Jerusalem

Summary/Abstract: This article deals with the reception of the image of the Emperors John II and Manuel I of the Komnenos dynasty based on the chronicler’s account by William of Tyre (1130–1186). It shows a positive evolution in the portrayal of John II and his successor Manuel I, whom William met twice – in 1168 and when he stayed in Constantinople for seven months in 1179/1180. The image of Manuel I is positive, emphasizing the emperor’s positive qualities, such as generosity, wisdom, and justice.