Byzantine Basileus in Grand Imperial Costume. Nicéphore Phocas.

Basileus, Basilius, Grand, Imperial, Costume, Middle ages,
Byzantine Basileus in Grand Imperial Costume.

Byzantine Basileus in Grand Imperial Costume.

Emperor Nicéphore Phocas (963-969). Basileus Byzantin en Grand Costume Imperial.

Since 629 “Basileus” was the official title of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) emperors, who had always called themselves “Autocrator” or ” Imperator” until then. Unofficially, “Basileus” was already in use at the latest since the division of the Roman Empire in 395; the inhabitants of the Greek-speaking eastern half of the Roman Empire had already used “Basileus” as the name of the emperor in principle, in addition to “Autokrator” (as translation of “Imperator”) and “Sebastos” (σεβαστός, as translation of “Augustus”). The Eastern Roman-Byzantine “Basileus” was “Anointed Ruler” or “Ruler on God’s behalf”.

The Byzantine Basileus did not have to be “purple-born” – as in Hellenistic times – i.e. of stately descent. Rather, the old Roman practice, according to which the imperial title was not hereditary, remained effective in principle.

Emperor Herakleios was the first Eastern Roman ruler to choose the title “Basileus” in an official context. The use of this title is first documented on 21 March 629. Heracleios thus showed both a devotion to Greek culture, which dominated his dominion, and a turning away from Roman tradition. The Latin language, which had still played an important role in the Eastern Roman Empire in the 6th century, finally became a foreign language in Byzantium.

Due to constant interventions by both the Germanic and the Eastern Roman rulers, the traditional Roman ruler titles such as “Caesar”, “Augustus” and “Emperor” were devalued and used in an overly inflationary manner. From now on “Basileus” no longer meant “king” but “emperor”.

Note:  Merovingian queen costume from the 5th to the 8th century.

Source: Un empereur byzantin au dixième siècle, Nicéphore Phocas by Gustave Léon Schlumberger. Paris Firmin-Didot, 1890.

Related

Leave a Reply


Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.

Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.

Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World Paperback – December 7, 2021
by Virginia Postrel (Author)

From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an “expansive” global history that highlights “how textiles truly changed the world” (Wall Street Journal)


FASHIONPEDIA
Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is easy to read. Whether you are an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you will ever need to navigate the fashion scene.


Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.

The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.