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The Forbidden Word: The Art of Periphrasis and Church Politics in the Icon Controversy under Alexios I Komnenos

Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. 2025. Vol. 49. No. 2. P. 205–222.
Lukhovitskiy L.

The controversy over the confiscation of church vessels during the reign of Alexios I is referred to as ‘Komnenian Iconoclasm.’ However, its salient feature is the reluctance of both parties to accuse their opponents of Iconoclasm. Alexios’ supporters and adversaries mastered the art of periphrasis and allusion, so that the shadow of Iconoclasm loomed over the debate. Still, as long as the word was not pronounced, there remained a chance of reconciliation. In the broader context of cultural memory about Iconoclasm, this debate is a turning point, after which accusations of Iconoclasm were no longer connected to iconoclastic practices.

Research target: Philology and Linguistics Philosophy, Ethics, and Religious Studies History and Archeology
Language: English
Full text
DOI
Keywords: ересьiconoclasmheresyКомниныиконопочитание и иконоборчествовизантийская культураKomnenoibyzantine culture
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