Byzanz

Among the Neoplatonists read by Byzantine thinkers, Plotinus does not rank first. He is surpassed by Proclus, who enjoys a livelier reception. Nevertheless, many Byzantines refer to Plotinus’ Enneads. In this chapter we present the impact he had on the Byzantines from the 5th to the 15th century, namely on John of Scythopolis, John of Damascus, Michael Psellus, Symeon Seth, John Italus, Michael VII. Doukas, Michael of Ephesus, Nicolas of Methone, Nicephorus Blemmydes, Theodorus II. Doukas Laskaris, Georgius, Pachymeres, Maximus Planoudes, Nicephorus Chumnus, Constantinus Akropolites, Theodorus Metochites, Nicephorus Gregoras, Palamas, Georgius Gemistus Plethon, Bessarion, Georgius Gennadius Scholarius, Michael Apostoles. What unites these very different thinkers is that they measure Plotinus, and ancient philosophy in general, by the standard of Christian teaching.