Episcopal authority and imperial authority in the middle byzantine period: the case of Manuel Comnenus (1143-1180)

Abstract

Alexis I Comnenus’ (1081-1118) political reorganization of the Empire was based on a strategic alliance between the emperor—who needed to consolidate his authority in the face of the growing power of the lay aristocracy and the bishops of the synod—and the patriarchal administration—which hoped to consolidate its preeminence within the structure of the Church. This fruitful alliance led to the consolidation of the Comnenian dynasty in a context of great political instability. During the 12th century, however, Alexis I’s heirs—John II (1118-1143) and Manuel I (1143-1180)—begun to face serious challenges from the members of the patriarchal administration. Throughout this article we will focus on the reign of Manuel I with the aim of reaching a better understanding of the internal situation of the church and of the way in which its relationship with the imperial power influenced the political crisis of the late 12th century.