He was born third child after two girls, to the great joy of his parents and the whole family; female gossip said he would never cry, nor suckle from any breast but his mother's
Psellos Mother 11
He was lulled to sleep by Theodote 2101 with biblical stories with a strong moral line, not mythological or fairy tales, or a nurse's entertainment; she often showed affection when she thought him asleep, so that he felt loved, not spoilt
Psellos Mother 17-18
He was born near the monastery of ta Narsou and brought up there
Certainty: 0 Michael Psellos recommended some friends of his father to a krites Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos may have witten three letters to Michael patrikios on a commentary on Hermogenes & a visit fom a great man Certainty: 0
1046
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote in the persona of Konstantinos IX welcoming a new convert & claiming a part in his baptism Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Xiphilinos, praising his disdain for the trivial, but demanding a letter Certainty: 0
1047
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Xiphilinos & Psellos polarised intellectual life in the city, & ancient chairs were revived Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Michael Psellos appointed proedros of the philosophers by Konstantinos IX Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Ophrydas launched an attack on Ioannes Xiphilinos as nomophylax; Xiphilinos took it to heart Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Siege of Constantinople by Leon Tornikios, who won several skirmishes Certainty: 2
Certainty: 0 Keroularios sent Psellos an edible snake (?), tasty enough to seduce Adam & Eve Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Pellos wrote to Keroularios on behalf of the maïstor of the school of ta Diakonisses, asking for help to escape poverty Certainty: 0
1048
Certainty: 1 Psellos, Mavropous & Xiphilinos agreed that if one was forced into a monastery, the rest would follow Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos sent Keroularios four letters thanking him for a fish he had sent him, & describing the meal Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Boukellarion to examine decisions of previous kritai (one of them himself) Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The maïstor of the school of Chalkoprateia refused money from Psellos deriving from an invitation to the imperial table Certainty: 0
Certainty: 1 Visit of Nikolaos of Horaia Pege to his kinsman Konstantinos IX Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos' daughter Styliane (aged 6) was learning to read, & asking her teachers about the bible Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Psellos heard two readings, much preferring the first; he wrote an encomium of the reader Certainty: 0
1049
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Mauropous was removed from Constantinople by appointment as metropolitan of Euchaita Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos & his old friend Niketas found themselves teaching at the same school (Hagios Petros) Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX insisted on sleeping without guards, despite Psellos' warnings Certainty: 1
1050
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX was deeply moved by Zoe's death Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX dismissed Konstantinos Leichoudes in favour of Ioannes logothetes Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Pardon (by Konstantinos IX) of a man caught stealing military funds Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Plot against Konstantinos IX of anonymous low-born ex-barbarian Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked Romanos, once a fellow-student, for schedographia exercises, as two of his pupils had finished all his own Certainty: 0
1051
Certainty: 1 Styliane, Psellos' beautiful daughter, first lost her complexion & then slowly died, to her parents' great distress Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Suggestive links between Romanos Boilas & Konstantinos IX's Alan mistress Certainty: 1
1052
Certainty: 1 Psellos told Aristenos his son spent too long at the spoonfeeders, afraid of his demanding teaching Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 His pupil Kyritzes said that in criticising Psellos he roused a wasp; Psellos waspishly denied this Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Death of Ioannes Mauropous' brother; Psellos wrote a letter of consolation Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to console his old friend, Leon Paraspondylos, who had recently lost power & wealth Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos, at times of crisis, liked to visit beautiful memorials, like the Mangana wih the tomb of Zoe Certainty: 1
1053
Certainty: 2 Engagement of Michael Psellos' adopted daughter (c. 9 years old) to Elpidios Kenchres (c. 18) Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Elpidios Kenchres became protospatharios & was appointed to various offices Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Michael Psellos congratulated Michael Keroularios for showing a more human side Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Xiphilinos became a monk, reminding Psellos that he had promised to follow him Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote three letters to Zomas, krites of Opsikion, to organise & improve his monasteries in the theme Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Michael Psellos by chrysobull received rights at Madytos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Georgios the aktouarios about improving his unproductive monasteries Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes Mauropous on behalf of an old man, & mocked Ioannes for wanting to return to the capital Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos claimed to a suppliant that he had worked hard to support him with Konstantinos IX Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to a monk on Mt Olympos whose character attracted him to retreat there Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes Xiphilinos, promising to use no excuses to avoid following him to Olympos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes Mauropous that Konstantinos IX would recall him - subject to a favourable interview Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Contact between Psellos & Keroularios via the latter's nephew Konstantinos did not make up for denial of direct access Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Leon Paraspondylos accepting that he was a great ascetic & deciding it was time to help him Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Leon ho ton Patron, the epi ton deeseon, refused to correspond with Psellos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos IX's over-humble letters to the Fatimid ruler were spiced up by Michael Psellos Certainty: 1
1054
Certainty: 2 Persecution of Michael Psellos by representatives of the church Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Correspondence between Michael Psellos & others over his proposed tonsure Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Esaïas left the capital, but was given protection (to Psellos' joy) by Konstantinos Leichoudes Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Elpidios Kenchres was promoted patrikios at the request of Psellos, his potential father-in-law Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 At the time of Psellos' trial, Leon Paraspondylos' friendship was a rare consolation for him Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos' sickness (partly feigned) which he used to support demands for tonsure Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Two letters of Konstantinos IX to Psellos, one advising against tonsure, the other praising him for carrying it through Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX's exploits in palace & garden construction Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Tonsure of Michael Psellos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos' return to court after tonsure, & its uncomfortable results Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos left Constantinople for Mt Olympos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Psellos' Oratoria Minora 8: when resigning as protasekretis: after philosophising as a politician, he needed time for thought Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Zomas, krites of Opsikion, suggesting how to achieve retirement & tonsure Certainty: 1
1055
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote an encomium some time after the death of Nikolaos, founder of the monastery of Horaia Pege Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos became the confidant of Theodora - as far as the envy of others would permit Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos returned from Olympos & decided to break the engagement of his adopted daughter Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos & Anastasios Lizix sought an interview with Leon Paraspondylos to solve their problems Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Keroularios, complaining of a lack of consistency in the patriarch's dealing with him Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 A monk from St Saba in a poem suggested that Psellos had failed to stay a year on Olympos because of lack of females Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos gave Leon Paraspondylos inordinate praise, but received a trivial job-offer in return Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes, notarios of the dromos, praising the Atticism of a work on the Trinity sent to him on Olympos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote letters of support for three persons to Zomas, krites of Opsikion Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, about alleged injustice to a kinsman Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos had been lucky enough to meet the famous Romanos, metropolitan of Kyzikos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos said he needed to see again an archmandrite whom he had met on Olympos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos complained in two letters to Psephas that his only job offer was a place in the school (?) of papa-Sabinos Certainty: 1
1056
Certainty: 2 Dispute between Theodora & Michael Keroularios over female rule of Empire Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos consoled the founders of Nea Mone for their loss (of the monastery?) Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Case of Psellos' adopted daughter, decided (in one detail) against him: report lodged Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Severe illness of Theodora; choice by courtiers of Michael (VI) Bringas (stratiotikos) as successor Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Ioannes Xiphilinos charged Psellos with following Plato more than Christ, receiving a long & fierce reply Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos advised a newly-chosen kathegoumenos on Olympos how to carry out his duties Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos congratulated Romanos Skleros on the birth of a new grandson Certainty: 1
1057
Certainty: 3 Michael VI refused to grant dignities to eastern generals, who turned against him Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Michael VI took advice on the rebellion, especially from Michael Psellos Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos with 2 colleagues sent as ambassadors to Isaakios Komnenos at Nikomedia Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Michael VI's envoys splendidly received Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 On the embassy, Psellos' speech persuaded Isaakios (I) to accept rank of kaisar Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Secret response of Isaakios (I) to the ambassadors of Michael VI Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 The first embassy of Psellos & his colleagues, they say, was ignored Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Outcome of embassy to Isaakios (I) reported to Michael VI; reply to secret response Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Second embassy to Isaakios (I) came close to agreement on settlement Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Katakalon Kekaumenos convinced many rebels of dangers of settlement, & (secretly) the imperial ambassadors Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Ambassadors assured Isaakios (I) he was popular in Constantinople, which would revolt at his approach Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Second embassy to Isaakios Komnenos interrupted by news of revolt in Constantinople Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Isaakios Komnenos entered city in triumph; he was crowned & proclaimed emperor by patriarch Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Isaakios I successfully freed the city of soldiers, encouraging them to return when needed Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Appointment of Psellos as proedros caused some controversy Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote about the basilikos of Madytos, to avoid trouble from a local tourmarches Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Comparison, Keroularios v. Psellos: unchanging aristocrat vs. mutable pedant Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Defence of Psellos against those who resented his promotion to hypertimos Certainty: 1
1058
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to the empress Aikaterine that he could not bear Constantinople without her & Isaakios I Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos was seriously ill, interrupting his visits to the emperor & the business he was doing for suppliants Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Isaakios I, then to Theodoros Dokeianos, his nephew, asking if the first letter had been well received Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Sudden arrest & banishment of patriarch Michael Keroularios by Isaakios I Komnenos Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Psellos was so flattered to receive a reply from Isaakios I that he promised to deposit the letter in his tomb Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos Leichoudes was the only approach to Isaakios I: Psellos wrote to him for the krites of Charsianon & a poor suppliant Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Discussion between Psellos & Romanos, metropolitan of Kyzikos, about the value of monasteries by the charistike system Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 A senior monk from Olympos sent fruit & a monastic representative to Psellos, & was heartily thanked Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Chasanes, krites of Macedonia, sent gold for the taxes of his theme, & Psellos replied with golden letters Certainty: 1
1059
Certainty: 2 Appointment of Konstantinos Leichoudes as patriarch Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Leichoudes fell seriously ill as soon as he became patriarch - a worrying sign of possible divine disfavour Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Monk from St Saba (Jerusalem) satirised Psellos (& others): Psellos replied with Oratoria Minora 21 Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Two of Isaakios I's nephews were praised as mighty bulwarks of his power Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Isaakios I as he set out against the Pechenegs, warning him of Selte Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 The metropolitan of Amaseia was asked to watch over Psellos' son-in-law (?), the young krites of Armeniakon Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos asked the metropolitan of Neokaisareia & Ioannes Mavropous at Euchaita to help his son-in-law Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Isaakios I as he left against the Pechenegs: a conventional plea to stay Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote two (ill-informed) letters to imperial notarioi accompanying Isaakios I on his Danube expedition
Psellos wrote to a chorus leader (protonotarios) and chorus (notarioi), imagining their duties on a campaign which seems distant, mountainous and cold. Isaakios I was described with different, herioc images. May they all return safely! He wrote again to the same recipients, with no idea where they were. He imagined them each attending to a different branch of business, or the hunting of different animals. He congratulated them on their concord
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote two eulogies of Isaakios I during the Pecheneg campaign, one on earlier events, the other badly informed Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Leichoudes sent Psellos a fish, which the latter hoped meant that the friend who had rejected him was reconciled Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 The father-in-law of Theodoros Dokeianos died near the end of Isaakios I's Danube expedition (at Lobitzos?) Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Doukas was doux of Antioch - a city which Psellos envied, as he did not write Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Isaakios Komnenos fell seriously ill after lightning strike while hunting Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Isaakios Komnenos after hesitations appointed Konstantinos (X) Doukas as successor Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Members of family of Isaakios I enthusiastically accepted his choice of Konstantinos X as successor Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Abdication of Isaakios Komnenos Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Isaakios I, feeling better after abdication, went in imperial vessel to Stoudios, & was tonsured Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Beginning of rule of Konstantinos X Certainty: 3
Certainty: 1 Niketas, maïstor of the school of Hagios Petros, left to pursue preferment in the church, going to Troy, his uncle's see Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 A letter from Ioannes Doukas (the future kaisar) from Edessa was very supportive of his brother Konstantinos (X) Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos X issued an ordinance at Antioch to get information from Ioannes Doukas; Ioannes thought him hostile Certainty: 1
1060
Certainty: 2 Ioannes Doukas thought his brother, Konstantinos (X), was hostile to him: Psellos disagreed Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Eirene the kaisarissa became a paragon of womanly virtue in the palace Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Katakalon Kekaumenos as a monk was told to deal with the emperor himself over non-payment of his salary Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Katakalon Kekaumenos was told that his man worked hard on emperor, patriarch & Psellos before admitting defeat Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the megas oikonomos for a few bushels of grain for a poor nun Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 By rejecting claims on a monastery, the krites of Aegean Sea would gain credit for Psellos with its owner Certainty: 0
Certainty: 1 Psellos told Chasanes, krites of Macedonia, that his notarios Michael's wife was very ill; he needed brief home leave Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 Psellos told the metropolitan of Ephesos to write to him in his simple style, naming a letter-carrier Certainty: 0
Certainty: 1 Xeros, krites or praitor of Thrakesion, was asked not to demand too much from Psellos or from his own notarios Certainty: 1
Certainty: 0 A woman with a rural problem was sent to explain it to a krites, Psellos' friend, as she would do so better than Psellos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A woman built a convent, vowing poverty, not starvation; Psellos sought to unblock a fund set up to provide food Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a relative gain glory & money - especially money, as he had a family to support Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A notarios had three patrons: Dalassene the magistrissa, his thematic krites, & Psellos; he ought to prosper Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a magistros & krites, a relative, whose wife might have died but for Psellos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a friendly krites to help a woman in trials over her estates, because she was both noble & Psellos' relation Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended to the epi ton oikeiakon a woman who was plaintiff in a trial over one nomisma, which she should win Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites of Katotika to help a metropolitan of Larissa recover his see, & to return money as suggested by the krites' wife Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites (?) of Macedonia to help a woman recover more of her husband's estate there than she had in Lykandos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 In the struggle between bishops of Alia & villagers of Lysokraneia (?), the krites must insist that imperial decisions be respected Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Kibyrraioton to help with property in Rhodes left under Psellos' protection by Theodoros Alopos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 When a son was absent when his father died, neighbours seized their land; Psellos asked a krites to do nothing till the son returned Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wanted more letters from a correspondent, & thanked him for bronze vessels Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended the bearers of the letter to the krites, as they would need careful & impartial justice Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos & a learned man planned correspondence, though they could meet; Psellos feared his friend's new wealth would bring other interests Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The epi ton deeseon, satirised in an encomium, resented the mockery but ignored the praise; Psellos recommended more balance Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A correspondent sent Psellos a philosophical treatise; he was delighted, & offered him lessons in rhetoric as well as philosophy Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A protegé of Psellos needed help (details unclear); he wrote to a krites, certain that he would provide it Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to avenge the bishop of Noumerika over some attendants (?), completing Psellos' work when dismissed by the emperor (?) Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a man from Nicaea to a krites with a chronic illness briefly, as the recipient was ill Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A correspondent of Psellos was accused of sophistic methods expressing friendly feelings which were untrue Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended an Athenian to a krites (of Katotika?), a good action for a classicist Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos thanked a krites for helping a tax-collector of his theme, & asked him to do the same again for the same man Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos praised a correspondent's simple style; if he wrote (not too often) he would try to help with the emperor Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The monk Pherebios wanted to emulate Psellos; Psellos explained why he would fail Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The epi ton oikeiakon was asked to write & to encourage his men to write; this would be no burden to so generous a man Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The charistikarios of Artigenes monastery was very old & should be dead, so that Psellos could take over the monastery Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent two men to the krites of Peloponnesos & Hellas, recommending that a third be sent home Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A very old man was extremely insistent to be put in touch with Ioannes Mauropous; Psellos complied Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The krites of Anatolikon should help the bishop of Sozopolis, as were both keen friends of Psellos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, should help Psellos' relative, rather than just enjoying Psellos' reminders Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Synetos, metropolitan of Basilaion, pleaded poverty to Psellos while sending him partridges, making him curious over the see Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos had not told the krites of Macedonia how to behave to the bishop of Panion; how had the bishop fared? Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent the krites of Optimaton a man who needed help, & Basileios Melissenos, suffering a disastrous tax-audit Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to the krites of Optimaton about an adminstrative change (?), which might be bad for a small theme Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos had only heard a little of the exploits of the logothetes of the dromos, & would like to hear more by correspondence Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a man of God, disturbing his contemplation; he would not write again, as it was enough to be in his thoughts Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The archbishop (?) should, like Christ, not despise the world or Psellos, but pass on to him some of his spiritual wealth Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos was working to bring an exile home, & prospects improved, as some time had passed & the emperor needed good men Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites for many favours; most suppliants, like the current one, only needed his naturally sympathetic ear Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos, operating by favours as a "ruler of rulers", asked a krites of Aegean Sea to aid a man supported by many other friends Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos' suppliant was lame, like him; it would not be easy to help by approaching the emperor Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The suffering of a magistros had made an impact on the emperor; Psellos advised it was best to stop the pressure Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos still hoped for the recall of the vestes, pleading also with him for a notarios who visited the capital to see a dying mother Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 An ex-vestes had given up wealth to enter a poor monastery; Psellos pleaded for the return of its confiscated estates Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a vestarches to govern an inexperienced dioiketes like a chariot-horse, offering just enough rein Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent formal consolation to Ioannes (?) Bourtzes on the death of his brother, hoping for a reward for the letter-carrier Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a relation to a friend as an eloquent man who would repay help with effusive thanks Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites promoted protonotarios of the dromos, claiming to have given him much help against enemies Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos replied to a learned correspondent, greatly praising his letters & asking him to write whenever there were carriers Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a metropolitan of Patrai, asking him to grant the wish of the nicest man in the capital Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to investigate an elderly monk who claimed (unconvincingly) to have been deceived in his monastery Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to begin a correspondence he had long desired with a krites of Charsianon; but there had been no carriers Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a metropolitan, in whose city an exile had settled, asking him to help the man despite his immaturity Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos, a krites & a notarios were involved in activities to help all of them; Psellos wrote to the krites to maximise benefits Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to deal with Euthymios, a suppliant who was eating him out of house & home Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos said a krites had not helped over taxes in Macedonia; he should do so & work in his own theme, for changes were imminent Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites to help a man recommended by a confidant of the emperor; the krites could do two favours at once Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a landowner who could barely survive & wanted him to stop paroikoi being driven from their lands Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos knew a metropolitan but not a suppliant visiting him; the former, being good, would improve the latter, good or bad Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos hoped his relation would continue to collaborate with the krites of Katotika - who must send the statues Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos gave a notarios a letter suggesting leniency to the krites who would have to judge him Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended Prokopios to the krites of Katotika as a good man from his theme & a friend of Psellos - three good claims Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The metropolitan of Madytos should continue to support the basilikos of Madytos - a major reason why Psellos kept the position Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The krites of Macedonia was asked to help the protos of Mt Ganos & his monks in all ways Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Cappadocia to aid Cappadocian monks who were mutual friends - many reasons to help Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Mauropous complained that Psellos' letters to him lacked respect: Psellos disagreed Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos (a teacher?) received two rambling philosophical letters, both mentioning teaching methods Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites, in a letter of thanks for enthusiasm over Psellos' epistles, was told not to compromise with the people of Rodinos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos warned a krites he would ask a number of favours for a poor relative who had just visited the capital Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a poor suppliant, though he had nothing specific in mind at the time Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A monk wrote of a brother's death, asking about a task entrusted to Psellos; Psellos had passed it on, but it was too hard to complete Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to help a paternal friend of his, so that he might just survive on his last estate Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A poor man's progress via favours might stop as life became volatile; Psellos asked a krites for one more favour to secure the future Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Asked who was so bad as to be below censure, Psellos named the metropolitan of Tarsos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos told the krites of Macedonia to do his job & forget gossip, from which, as Psellos' friend, he was immune Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites for a favour with some reserve, because he did not want to impose on a relative Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos advised a krites to restrict hospitality for a man who told tall stories about his hosts & journeys Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos befriended a man, discovered his quality, & recommended him to a krites; the latter should check Psellos' judgement by doing the same Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos education shared with a krites, & the dangers he faced with the local population; he asked him to aid Stylianos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos invited a monk for a meal & a bath, to make up for a previous invitation he had to cancel Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos told Katakalon Kekaumenos as a monk that the metropolitan of Koloneia needed his support Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A grammatikos said he had made no money fom his theme, but his krites Pothos claimed he had: a dilemma for Psellos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos & Pothos' uncle orchestrated a good reception in the palace for a letter from Pothos, who would benefit Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Pothos was told by the emperor to measure land in dispute between Drimys & some villagers: Psellos turned this into philosophy Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Two letters praising a successful doux of Antioch Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites was told that not everyone from his theme was bad; a bishop, seen in Psellos' words, was admirable Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a metropolitan he had not yet finished his business, wishing that his power to help was as great as his will Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a krites that a poor man's one estate was besieged by villagers; if breaking the law, they must be punished Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites of Optimaton was told of a victim of inter-village squabbling, & asked to investigate Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos criticised a krites of Katotika as too defensive: he should both make money & maintain his good name Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites was unhappy over promotion & dismissal; Psellos tried to cheer him, praising his notarios Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites was asked to help a man in whose case his opponents had changed a verdict; the emperor wanted a review Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Pellos recommended a Peloponnesian to the krites Maleses, who was to help him in lawsuits, tax assessment & a dinner invitation Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The monks of the Theotokos were wrong to attack the krites rather than their accusers, for he had alienated no monastery property Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Maleses proud at receiving requests from Psellos, should allow an unfortunate soldier to go on campaign Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A protokentarchos bought his office long ago at a high price; a krites should ensure he did not lose money Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The owner of the Melias monastery wanted to pay tax in the capital; Psellos told him to sign an assurance for his krites Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to let the metropolitan of Amorion pay monoprosopon in the capital, at no cost to the exchequer Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the krites of Boukellarion for further help over tax for a rich & just friend Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A landowner asked the krites by imperial command to map boundaries of his land; Psellos told him to warn off a potential thief Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos laboured for the recall of an exile: the emperor was well-disposed, but waiting for the right time Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos, a krites & his notarios should help a suppliant, since all were already linked in the network of Psellos' friendship Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos was given a poor monastery, & asked the local krites if its problems were soluble; if yes, he would try Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended two men: a relative, whom he told to work hard, & a subordinate with potential Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites complained of Psellos' favours to an unlucky man; but the man gained little, & the krites lost nothing Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The people of Atzikome would be Psellos' villagers, if he lobbied their krites for them; they did not know the praitor Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a krites of the hippodrome to the krites of Opsikion Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The patriarch opposed the plan of the metropolitan of Nikomedia for Hagia Sophia, & arranged for him to come & explain it Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The mulberry trees of a poor friend were stolen by a neighbour; he petitioned the emperor & Psellos, who both asked the krites to help Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The krites of Opsikion was warned of lost letters, & reminded of the tax-exempt status of Megala Kellia Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote twice to a krites recommending a notarios, then thanking him for his help Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a hegoumenos about two monks he had excluded, recommending they be reinstated Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Pentaktenos, confident his relations with emperor & patriarch would improve, & praising him for entering a monastery Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A man from Nicaea was sent to ask the krites of Opsikion, to stop his men harassing him for taxes for a small estate Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites about a man slandered to the emperor, asking him to ignore lies & investigate impartially Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites about a dependent of his, a soldier forced to settle as a farmer; he asked him to help the man Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote bluntly to a krites who no longer enjoyed philosophy, to help a man from Nicaea recover debts Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos' protegé was well treated by the kourator of Cyprus; but why did latter stay in Cyprus, with hot weather & low profits? Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites who had been a pupil to care for his teacher's estates, & write better letters Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended the unknown Leon Melandros to the megas oikonomos: if he was not good, his correspondent would make him so Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to the megas oikonomos that a secretary needed a tax exemption for the title of kouboukleisios suggested to him Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos apparently confessed to the metropolitan of Nikomedia that he stole icons from churches & had a collection Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Requests to the krites of Thrakesion to be just & fair to those seeking positions Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A man from Dyrrachion was regularly helped over tax by the local doux, regarding the doux & Psellos as co-saviours Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A man taking Psellos' letter to the krites of his theme was too poor to help over tax, but needed work as a grammatikos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos' relative was in danger from slanderous kouratores, & he wrote twice asking a krites to help Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The emperor wanted justice from a krites for Psellos' protegé, who should realise that his judge was his patron's friend Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 This notarios had many virtues; if a krites had a similar reference, it was right; if not, he should substitute Psellos' letter Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos, writing to a krites of Katotika, asked for honour for the letter-carrier, in a good tradition Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent a runaway notarios to a krites, but without brazen references; it was enough to be sent by Psellos Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The letter Psellos sent was redundant, the favour was agreed: but the notarios needed something to carry Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos missed a krites, Psellos' relative worked for him & liked him, but made no money; could this not be changed? Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos & the emperor both wrote to a krites for a suppliant; Psellos delayed so as not to annoy the krites or compete with the emperor Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites for an effortless favour, supporting a poor man in his theme unlikely ever to need legal help Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos' friend was unjustly treated, the krites in the case was just, & also a friend; do it! Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 An ex-slave was sent by a will to a monastery: the hegoumenos sealed a document in support, but then refused entry Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a kinsman, as a good not just a relation to a krites, another good man, who might think him a relation Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a krites to mobilise the dimension of friendship to support his protegé's case; he wrote again with thanks Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a man who reminded him of a promise that he would have addressed the emperor unprompted Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A protegé of Psellos & relatives were badly injured with stab-wounds & loss of property; the local krites must investigate Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A notarios wrote to Psellos of the kindness of a krites; let his thanks increase the kindness, as he was new to the work Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites should welcome a neighbour & protegé of Psellos as a real friend & help him complete his duties before leaving the capital Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A man asked Psellos to write to a krites, & Psellos did, both sure the krites would grant the request, in the interest of all Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos thanked a krites over favours for his relatives, though excuses were available; he wanted to reciprocate Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos met a disaster, allowing a krites to satisfy at one blow the needs of friendship & win salvation Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos recommended a musician, a practical music-maker rather than a theorist; the krites should also treat him as a good man Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites responded to recommendations: any sign of concern by Psellos was enough to see a man well treated Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A letter-carrier would be a test for Psellos: if a krites treated him well, he was a friend; if not, he was not Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A protegé of Psellos (friend of the krites) was also from the krites' theme: so he had two claims Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites asked Psellos why a bedhead is higher than the foot; his answer began with philosophy but ended with comfort Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to a younger man as a spiritual son, praising his achievements in an opaque way Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos compared a man to an ill-behaved Arabian dog, attacking sheep, not wolves, poisonous & to be suppressed Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A man awoke Psellos as he slept under the influence of mandragora, & put him under a lotus-like spell; effective Sirens were needed (?) Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos gave a student (?) a lesson on the physics of shooting stars Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos had kindled intellectual fire in Psellos, now quenched; he wanted it to blaze again Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked for the quick renewal of a convent's sigillion; one Eve had beaten Adam, but he faced a whole convent Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 He explained (to a student?) why we feel cold in draughts Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 He called an ex-student "son", despite his promotion; both should write to have Nikolaos reinstated in the Hodegon monastery Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A hegoumenos excluded Kallinikos from his chosen monastery; Psellos tried a third time to get him a hearing Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos offered a man a choice of cheese or letter; the letter discussed cheese from various viewpoints, then gave the cheese as well Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos praised a spiritual son in an ideal encomium for re-establishing Byzantine defences Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos warned a friend that refusal of friendship from one so close could embitter him: but friendly gestures would be very welcome Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 In a flowery address (to Ioannes Mauropous?), provision was made for the letter-carrier, if he needed it (& he would) Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Pothos, asking him to give his friend & neighbour (the letter-carrier) a fair hearing Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Mauropous bought a monastery for a relation; Ioannes via Psellos told the responsible krites that it had grown since purchase Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos' correspondent met his problems with learning & versatility, yet made others compete, not sympathise with him Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos told a krites of his reactions to a decree (which the krites had prepared?) Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A metropolitan wrote to Psellos as Psellos wrote to him, prey calling the hunter, beginning friendship & correspondence Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to his spiritual father, asking why another of his spiritual sons refused Psellos' requests Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites, Psellos' closest friend, should help Moses, Psellos' acquaintance in his theme, & watch over his monastery Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos gave a metropolitan authority over one of his students; having refused it, he should not blame Psellos for the results Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites was cited in a text (a letter?) written to hide its subject; allusions include Bulgarians, Scythians & orphans Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos said that a bishop was pleasant & adaptable, sollemn or humorous as needed, suitable for any task a krites set Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Sagmatas hunted while Psellos wrote, yet each was attracted by the other; perhaps game could be exchanged for letters? Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A violent neighbour attacked an estate, killing an elderly manager; Psellos demanded justice from the local krites Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 For no reason, one man stopped another rebuilding a ruin; Psellos asked the krites to intervene, though the offender was poor Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked a krites to act to stop a friend suffering losses because others did not pay their taxes; he needed help Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Help for Thrakesios of Thrakesion from two brothers who became kritai of the theme Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The first favour Psellos asked for a man from a krites had (he said) saved him; a second was now needed to complete salvation Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos twice asked for a krites to disregard minor irregularities by a tax official, whose income could not satisfy demands made on him Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A krites had given major relief to a tax official who was Psellos' relative; gratitude could lead to more help & a virtuous circle Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos praised a krites to the emperor, who reacted positively & would promote him, probably to a medium theme Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A poor man's few possessions had been attacked; Pothos his krites should offer gifts & rebates, in pennies, not pounds Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A friend of Psellos was unjustly accused before a krites; Psellos wrote to seek a fair trial & a safety-net in case of loss Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 A metropolitan refused to continue close friendship & correspondence with Psellos, who regretted this & proposed remedies Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos' only news from a krites came via a grateful kinsman working in his theme, offering chances for co-operation Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent a metropolitan a white, talkative skaros to begin a correspondence, symbol of a friendship which would grow Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Dalassenos sent a short letter with many cheeses; he should write in simple soldier's language, & often, unless he wrote more Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The nephew of Ioannes Xiphilinos was Psellos' pupil & colleague, intelligent & consistent like Ioannes, not a cone but a cylinder (?) Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The father of a pupil sent hourly advice on teaching, some of which he took; the boy would succeed mainly by his own efforts, not Psellos' Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Symeon Kenchres wrote that he had entered a monastery; Psellos wondered if he had been too hasty Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 The famous metropolitan of Thessalonike was less consistent since becoming a bishop Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Negotiations on the leasing of a problematic estate to a monastery Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 An exchange of gifts between Psellos & a monastery where he had lived Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos (with words) & a krites (with actions) were old collaborators, planning the revival of a dying monastery Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Praise from Ioannes Mauropous enthused Psellos & a notarios Ioannes had helped Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos told Michael, krites of Kibyrraioton, of a possible posting in the capital, discussing his notarios Ioannes & a mule Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos Hierax was congratulated by Psellos for noble endurance of exile, which Psellos hoped would soon end Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Konstantinos Xiphilinos asked Psellos for a simple summary of the Aristotelian Organon; he was told that this was impossible Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios, complained that a text of Psellos was difficult; he replied that even Plato could be hard Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Pothos was told of Psellos' new venture as a charistikarios & given the horse Psellos owed in tax Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos was to begin correspondence as a junior partner with a metropolitan representing virtue & the power of God's church [lacunose] Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos was unsure of his friend's attitude to his letters, especially the last ... Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote three letters to a spiritual father, maybe from the monastery of Petra (?) Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos sent Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios, a doctor who damaged patients (men, animals & trees) & was only good at violence Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Basileios krites (?) of Cappadocia was told not to worry about Cappadocian rebels or malicious gossip, but to give Psellos reason to praise him Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos claimed Basileios despaired too soon over his theme of Armeniakon: he should look at cities as well as mountain villages Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos wrote to Elias with a gift of wild pears & salted birds, telling him to think of the thought behind the gifts Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos (who helped Epiphanios Philaretos before), advised him, as a novice at court, to stand consistently like a rock against the ocean Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Xiphilinos sent Pellos only a drop from Horaia Pege; the plain & simple were virtues, but not the very brief Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Ioannes the kaisar asked Psellos medical & theological questions, & how to defend his crops from caterpillars Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Ioannes Mauropous became active in Euchaita, but also was the subject of complaints from there to the emperor Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Dialogues on philosophy & friendship at a distance between Psellos & Ioannes Mauropous often took themselves very seriously Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Psellos asked the metropolitan of Corinth to help Chrysobalantites the tax-collector in sea-travel
Psellos complained to the metropolitan of Corinth that he ignored him for the delights of Athens, or of a direct line to heaven, or of Chrysobalantites, whose manners charmed Psellos as he took the letter from him; as a tax-collector, he would need help in sea-travel
Certainty: 0 The krites of Aegean Sea was asked to help Psellos & the kathegoumenos of ta Narsou by promoting the monastery's ship Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Pothos was asked to resolve a dispute between two villages, & do all he could to prevent a recurrence Certainty: 0
1061
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos X lamented the lot of exiles he had himself condemned Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Trial of Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, for a capital offence Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Application made (ironically?) to Konstantinos X to transfer Psellos' property of Medikion to Anastasios Lizix Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 A gift of food on a festival from Psellos to Ioannes the kaisar might be given to his children to play with Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 The basilikos of Madytos was still in difficulties, despite support from the krites of Macedonia; he might need more in the future Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos had the military levy cancelled for a monastery he owned; Pothos, as krites, was to assure the hegoumenos of his support Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 The name Kakoprates was accurate over fortune but not character; Pothos was asked to help him - & received advice about his job Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Was Pothos wronging the Theotokos' Acheiropoietos; if so, he should read its chrysobulls & hear its owner, Psellos himself Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Michael (VII) & his brother Andronikos were sent to Psellos for education Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Pothos was told that villagers were diverting water from the mills of the Acheiropoietos to their own; he should restore it Certainty: 1
1062
Certainty: 1 Monks of Mt Ganos asked Psellos to take over their monasteries Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 The metropolitan of Madytos must visit Konstantinos X or send holy Madytos oil; he persuaded Psellos to favour his basilikos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Anastasios Lizix was welcomed kindly by Dalassenos, who should send reports to the emperor if positive, but not if negative Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 When Psellos tried to help a krites, he made progress at first in persuading Konstantinos X; but now slander had stopped him Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos informed Ioannes the kaisar over a robbery which cost him 300 nomismata saved for buying an estate Certainty: 1
1063
Certainty: 2 Psellos reported to Konstantinos X that Konstantinos Leichoudes was dying; he disbelieved at first, then visited him just before death Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Death of Konstantinos Leichoudes caused an outpouring of grief throughout the capital; then an interregnum Certainty: 3
Certainty: 1 Death of Anastasios Lizix in Athens: monodies & other mourning reactions Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos sent festal gifts to the families of Konstantinos X, Ioannes kaisar & the patriarch; letters often explore symbolism Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Ioannes the kaisar gave Psellos a horse, & made a speech in full armour for a brave crane he killed while hunting Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 The bishop of Parnassos was praised to Ioannes the kaisar as simple & grateful; he sent Psellos produce in return for letters & help Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos recommended to Ioannes the kaisar the victim of a disaster which left his family starving; why should he not be a krites? Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos had tried in every way to have Kalokyros recalled from exile: signs were now favourable for a speedy solution Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos told a kourator of Cyprus that Konstantinos X knew he had made peace after troubles & governed well - good for his career Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos sent a hegoumenos to a krites, to protect the monastery's estates & win credit with its martyrs (& Psellos) Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos asked Nikolaos Skleros for help over the Acheirpoietos for the Theotokos (not just Psellos), & Medikion Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Euphemia was barely alive as Psellos wrote to Ioannes kaisar on truffles; she revived a little at Ioannes' gift Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos' confidence in his writing skills was now based on the fact that they had managed to conquer Ioannes kaisar Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos replied to an (unspecified) request from Ioannes kaisar by saying that he felt too old Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Ioannes the kaisar with the kaisarissa conspired to entrap Psellos with foods he liked & other gifts Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos now had only occasional visits from Ioannes kaisar: he kept a picture in his heart, but needed letters Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote a bold encomium to Konstantinos X, praising practical wisdom & humility, sailing on the Euphrates & Danube Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos complained that Nikolaos Skleros twice rejected Psellos' good candidate as notarios: maybe the end of their friendship? Certainty: 1
1064
Certainty: 2 Psellos asked the krites of Aegean Sea to aid metropolitan Romanos of Kyzikos a year after the earthquake of 1063 Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Xiphilinos spoke for the weak, disputing with magistrates & Konstantinos X himself, rising & berating him Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Psellos told Ioannes kaisar to return from his estates to the capital, where facilities for his children were better Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos after long efforts to persuade Konstantinos X, arranged the retirement of Nikolaos Skleros Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos' adopted daughter Euphemia gave birth: Psellos told kaisar Ioannes, & wrote of his infant grandson
Psellos told Ioannes kaisar of the birth of a grandson, warning him of the need to face a second Psellos. He was bravely silent as his adopted daughter Euphemia screamed, while Ioannes had wept when his daughter-in-law (Maria of Bulgaria) had a difficult birth. Psellos regarded himself as rather masculine in his studies but feminine and emotional over things like childbirth - though he kissed his grandson while still bloody like a warrior. He enclosed a letter notifying Konstantinos X, which was to be delivered or not at Ioannes' discretion. Later Psellos speaks of competition in the palace to christen the infant: the empress Eudokia prevailed over the emperor. Soon he took his grandson to the baths, where neither of them liked hot water. He wrote him a logos at age four months, so that the young man would remember him
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos X questioned Psellos' loyalty, & Ioannes kaisar tested him with dispiriting questions Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos still felt affinity with Ioannes kaisar, but they rarely spoke, leaving him starved of good company Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Konstantinos X's attitude to Psellos had changed, making his reception at court unpredictable Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Tragic death-scene of Eirene the kaisarissa involved her whole family & Psellos Certainty: 1
1065
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos X marched out to Choirobakchoi with absurdly small army Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Psellos received the first beautiful letters of Aimilianos, patriarch of Antioch Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos would later remember the nursery routine of Euphemia's family Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos would be dead without Ioannes kaisar, yet friendship had become hostility & he wondered if they would speak again Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos corresponded with Sergios, krites of Thrakesion, over poisonous snakes & the monk Elias Certainty: 1
1066
Certainty: 1 Aimilianos, patriarch of Antioch, praised Psellos' letter, apart from its excessive praise; Psellos denied it was excessive Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 The krites of Katotika was making no money & wanted a transfer; Psellos warned that the east was unsafe, & some bread was better than none Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos sent Iasites a discussion of the rational & irrational, why only the horse among animals is alogon Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos told Aristenos in exile that lack of access to the emperor made it hard to help him Certainty: 1
1067
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote three letters to Aristenos, with thanks, comparison of two grammatikoi & advice on rhetoric Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Eudokia took power into her own hands while training Michael (VII) for rule Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos suggested to Iasites that they should both profit from their links to Eudokia Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Empress Eudokia became worried that her sons would lose power without a strong emperor Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Needs of empire or oaths sworn to Konstantinos X? Xiphilinos wondered whether to let Eudokia remarry Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Eudokia & Psellos told Michael VII of her impending marriage to Romanos (IV) Certainty: 3
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios, who inspired him by writing one line & expecting a whole letter in reply
Nikephoros, nephew of Keroularios (Psellos complained) would send brief greetings and expect whole letters in reply, while Psellos regarded writing as a duty, not a favour conferred. All the phorologoi (tax-collectors) of the genikos became logophoroi (carriers) for Psellos' letters. Psellos did not fear drying up, despite the heavy demands on him for letters. His inspiration was like a woman's nipple, only flowing when a baby sucked, and tending to dry up when there was no baby. Nikephoros should continue his demands
Certainty: 1 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to Ioannes kaisar Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to a krites of Katotika Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to the krites of Boukellarion Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos told the krites of Opsikion about Elias Krystalas Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to the krites of Thrakesion Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to the doux (?) of Antioch Certainty: 1
1068
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 12 for Eudokia, on her recent choice of Romanos IV Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos recommended Elias Krystalas to Nikephoritzes Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos asked Nikephoritzes to see if Besaine was a rich see, as its bishop was likely to be taxed as a rich man Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Campaign already begun by Romanos IV Diogenes against Turks Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to five friends in central Anatolia to reconcile the bishop of Gordiason with the bishop of Matiane Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Psellos wrote to Eustratios Choirosphaktes, with congratulations on Romanos IV's victory Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Psellos, in the lifeless world of his books, badly missed a friend who was on campaign with the emperor Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Basileios the epi tou kanikleiou, speculating why he had not written Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote again to Choirosphaktes, wondering whether the army was going to India Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Romanos IV, in despair at his long absence, listing all of his virtues of which he felt deprived Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Romanos' army returned after a pointless campaign: warfare for warfare's sake Certainty: 2
1069
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Romanos IV, seeking favour & right to compose encomia Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 After making yearly distributions, Romanos IV left Constantinople on new campaign against Turks Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Psellos, after strong pressure (he claimed) from Romanos IV, joined his 1069 expedition Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote from Caesarea to 3 friends who continued with Romanos: he could not keep up Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, mentioning ambush & Larissa-Melitene journey Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 (?) Psellos passed through Philadelphia in returning to the capital, reporting events to the krites of Thrakesion Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Romanos about his return to Constantinople & publicity given to his victory over the ambush Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Eudokia authorised money for Psellos, but he misinterpreted her wishes; she abused him, provoking a passionate reply Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Nikephoros (only), nephew of Keroularios, on ustable fortune, adding theatrical stories for discussion at dinner Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to kaisar Ioannes, encouraging him to hope for the favour of Eudokia & even Romanos IV Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV began to despise Eudokia, her sons & kaisar Ioannes Doukas Certainty: 2
1070
Certainty: 2 Romanos IV decided to spend 1070 in Constantinople, sending Manuel Komnenos to fight in Anatolia Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos, wanting contact with Ioannes kaisar, perversely wrote to him to ignore books & hunt everything, including Psellos himself Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote two virtuoso letters to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, lamenting declining powers, with mixed scientific infomation Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Romanos started negotiations to marry his infant son to one of Robert Guiscard's daughters Certainty: 1
1071
Certainty: 2 Psellos implies that though Romanos knew nothing of sultan's presence, he (Psellos) did know Certainty: 2
Certainty: 3 Tricked by sultan, with divided forces, dangerously exposed, Romanos was defeated & captured Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Coup against Romanos by kaisar Ioannes in favour of Eudokia Makrembolitissa & Michael VII Certainty: 3
Certainty: 3 Michael VII proclaimed sole emperor by palace guard; Eudokia evicted Certainty: 3
Certainty: 2 Eudokia made a nun & exiled by Michael VII with her other children to her convent of Piperoudion Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos congratulated Andronikos Doukas on his victory, though Romanos IV was still free, & prepared a poem for his triumph Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos playfully wrote of Christ's disciples among Scythian nomads; Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, misunderstood Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 (?) Psellos wrote to Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, that he was involved in tactics & siege engines (at Chliat?) Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote a much-delayed monody on Michael Radenos Certainty: 1
1072
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to the blinded Romanos IV, offering consolation of divine inner light Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Michael VII wrote to Robert Guiscard, proposing to marry his brother Konstantios to a daughter of Guiscard Certainty: 2
1073
Certainty: 1 Psellos gave one classical & one magical interpretation of a carved stone he was asked to examine for Michael VII Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote (or adapted) for Michael VII verse introductions to seven subjects Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos took up the case of the monk Nikolaos, exiled from Antioch by the patriarch Aimilianos Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 The patriarch Aimilianos had cowed the monks of the Thaumatourgos monastery; Psellos would help monks visiting the capital Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 An Antiochene whom Amilianos & Psellos had helped, once told Psellos about Antioch; now he only had Aimilianos stories Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos had worked hard with the emperors on behalf of Aimilianos of Antioch, & urged him to write Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos tried to maintain correspondence with Aimilainos of Antioch, glad of news from anywhere, as Aimilainos rarely wrote Certainty: 1
1074
Certainty: 2 Second marriage of Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios: Psellos was not shocked by the ceremony Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Birth of Konstantinos, son of Michael VII & Maria of Alania Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Death of a kouropalates who linked Psellos to his son-in-law's family; negotiations to replace him Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 A case of forgery in the signature of a report on the bishop of Korone Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Psellos dedicated his De omnifari doctrina to Michael VII, warning him not all the sources were Christian Certainty: 1
1075
Certainty: 2 Psellos wrote to Konstantinos, Keroularios' nephew, to congratulate him on the birth of a son Certainty: 2
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 13 for Michael VII: Psellos' expulsion from court was rescinded Certainty: 1
Certainty: 1 Michael VII's relationship to his brothers, & to Psellos Certainty: 1
1078
Certainty: 2 Psellos forgave the envy of Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios, whom he had now overtaken in dignity Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Psellos compared the family of Konstantinos, nephew of Keroularios with his own state, consoled only by Eudokia Certainty: 2