Chronicon Paschale 284-628

by Michael Whitby (Translator), Mary Whitby (Translator)

The Chronicon Paschale is one of the major constituents of the Byzantine chronographic tradition covering the late antique period.

"admirable annotated translation..."—Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Genres: Nonfiction, History

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Anatolikon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chronicon Paschale is typical of Byzantine world chronicles in that it begins with the creation of the world. As that would significantly expand this volume, the Whitbys have chosen to start it in 284 with Diocletian, at the point where it actually begins to contain useful information. It is a good starting point for late antiquity and for the text, as it gives the book a decent length, even though in the early period the anonymous author has very little to say. Although throughout this time the text runs parallel to Malalas and more focused sources, it does contain useful information on Theodosius II and Justinian, for example, as well as Constantinople. However, the Chronicon Paschale becomes a major source in its own right for the early rule of Herakleios, where it preserves a number of missives and first-hand accounts of the Avar siege in 626. While it seems to be of little importance to later Byzantine chroniclers, its information on Herakleios, Constantinople itself and the interesting dating system of the author make it a particularly valuable source.

That said, I'm only reviewing the volume, due to the fact that we're simply fortunate to have many of the ancient texts that we do. The Whitbys' translation is very clear, but the notes really make this book shine. On a typical page, the notes cover half of it, and provide references to Malalas and Theophanes and other relevant sources, as well as explanations and references to scholarly works. It would have been nice if the Greek text had been provided, but for $25 I won't complain. This is an essential Byzantine text.

[John Cairns · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good. It ends with the high of Heraclius' victory over the Persians and defeat of the Avars, who were besieging the city, a siege the author describes in more detail than anybody else. What doesn't impinge on him in the city, however, gets short shrift throughout. A lot of his time is devoted to chronology. The notes keep one apprised to a degree, without filling in the entire historical background.

I found it strange the besieged city should feed the besiegers who reproach that the head of somebody who ate with the Chagan was cut off by the besieged and sent to the Chagan. The reply, "we are not concerned about him," elicited a laugh, from me that is, not the reproachful Avar or of course the Chagan's Persian guest. The last was found face down in a skiff and his head cut off. Ooh! I didn't understand why circus factions would thwart negotiations by the patriarch of Jerusalem for the surrender of Jerusalem to the Persians except they're people and this was characterised as a holy war.

The replaced emperor was dragged before Heraclius naked. His head was put on a pole and paraded about. You did not want to be on the losing side in Constantinople.