Abstract:

This paper will investigate the notions of time encountered in the histories of Georgios Pachymeres and Nikephoros Gregoras, who stand out from other Late Byzantine historians concerning their references to time. How did the philosophical, intellectual, or ecclesiastical interests of these historians influence their conceptions of time? We will discuss how both historians fuse linear and cyclical understandings of time in their work, and how they lend further philosophical and literary meaning to the notion of time. The paper will discuss how Pachymeres’ history seems to reflect the relation between kinesis and time, whereas Gregoras’ prologue displays some parallels with Plato’s Timaeus. It will explore how while Gregoras seeks to fuse astronomy and history-writing, Pachymeres manifests an interest in kairos and liturgical time. Finally, the paper will also discuss how both historians use time as a literary feature in their narratives.