Epanagoge
Encyclopedia
The Epanagoge more properly the Eisagoge is a Byzantine
law book promulgated in 886. Begun under Basil I the Macedonian (r. 867–886), it was only completed under his son and successor, Leo VI the Wise
(r. 886–912). As its name suggests, it was meant to be an introduction to the legislation of the Basilika
, published later in Leo's reign.
The work, organized in 40 volumes, covers almost all spheres of law, and was explicitly meant to replace the earlier Ecloga, dating to the iconoclast Isaurian dynasty. Nevertheless, it draws some inspiration from the Ecloga; the main source however is the Corpus Juris Civilis
of Justinian I
(r. 527–565), albeit often heavily altered. Patriarch
Photius of Constantinople worked in its compilation, and wrote the preface and the two sections dealing with the position and powers of the emperor and the patriarch; notably, the powers of the patriarch appear broader than in Justinian's legislation, both with regards to the emperor and towards the other patriarchates of the Pentarchy
.
The Epanagoge was withdrawn from official use soon after its publication, being replaced by the Prochiron (which was earlier considered an antecessor of the Epanagoge) twenty years later, but served as the basis for several private law books, such as the Epanagoge Aucta or the Syntagma Canonum
. Through its translation into Slavonic, the Epanagoge found its way into Russia
n canon law, including the 13th-century Kormchaya Kniga. Its provisions on the patriarch's and church's position vis-a-vis the temporal ruler played a great role in the controversy around Patriarch Nikon
in the 17th century.
Byzantine
Byzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
law book promulgated in 886. Begun under Basil I the Macedonian (r. 867–886), it was only completed under his son and successor, Leo VI the Wise
Leo VI the Wise
Leo VI, surnamed the Wise or the Philosopher , was Byzantine emperor from 886 to 912. The second ruler of the Macedonian dynasty , he was very well-read, leading to his surname...
(r. 886–912). As its name suggests, it was meant to be an introduction to the legislation of the Basilika
Basilika
The term Basilika or 'Basilica' refers to a code of laws issued by the Eastern Roman emperor Leo VI the Wise . Written entirely in Greek, the 'Basilica', in 60 books, adapt the 6th-century Justinian code to the conditions of the 9th- and 10th-century Empire, and include laws issued by Leo VI and...
, published later in Leo's reign.
The work, organized in 40 volumes, covers almost all spheres of law, and was explicitly meant to replace the earlier Ecloga, dating to the iconoclast Isaurian dynasty. Nevertheless, it draws some inspiration from the Ecloga; the main source however is the Corpus Juris Civilis
Corpus Juris Civilis
The Corpus Juris Civilis is the modern name for a collection of fundamental works in jurisprudence, issued from 529 to 534 by order of Justinian I, Eastern Roman Emperor...
of Justinian I
Justinian I
Justinian I ; , ; 483– 13 or 14 November 565), commonly known as Justinian the Great, was Byzantine Emperor from 527 to 565. During his reign, Justinian sought to revive the Empire's greatness and reconquer the lost western half of the classical Roman Empire.One of the most important figures of...
(r. 527–565), albeit often heavily altered. Patriarch
Patriarch of Constantinople
The Ecumenical Patriarch is the Archbishop of Constantinople – New Rome – ranking as primus inter pares in the Eastern Orthodox communion, which is seen by followers as the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church....
Photius of Constantinople worked in its compilation, and wrote the preface and the two sections dealing with the position and powers of the emperor and the patriarch; notably, the powers of the patriarch appear broader than in Justinian's legislation, both with regards to the emperor and towards the other patriarchates of the Pentarchy
Pentarchy
Pentarchy is a term in the history of Christianity for the idea of universal rule over all Christendom by the heads of five major episcopal sees, or patriarchates, of the Roman Empire: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem...
.
The Epanagoge was withdrawn from official use soon after its publication, being replaced by the Prochiron (which was earlier considered an antecessor of the Epanagoge) twenty years later, but served as the basis for several private law books, such as the Epanagoge Aucta or the Syntagma Canonum
Syntagma Canonum
Syntagma Canonum is a canonical collection made in 1335 by Matthew Blastares, a Greek monk about whose life nothing certain is known.The collector aimed at reducing canon law to a handier and more accessible form than it appeared in the Nomocanon of Photius, and to give a more comprehensive...
. Through its translation into Slavonic, the Epanagoge found its way into Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n canon law, including the 13th-century Kormchaya Kniga. Its provisions on the patriarch's and church's position vis-a-vis the temporal ruler played a great role in the controversy around Patriarch Nikon
Patriarch Nikon
Nikon , born Nikita Minin , was the seventh patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church...
in the 17th century.