<i>L'histoire des iconoclastes</i> (review)
Sophia Mergiali-Sahas|Daniel J. Sahas
Reviewed by: L'histoire des iconoclastes Sophia Mergiali-Sahas and Daniel J. Sahas iconoclastes. By Marie-France Auzépy. [Bilans de recherché, 2.] (Paris: Association Amis du Centre d'Histoire et Civilization Byzance. 2007. Pp. xvi, 386. €40,00 paperback. ISBN 978-2-916-71607-7.) The iconoclastic era (730–843) is one of conviction, passion, ideology, "faith propaganda." As an "iconoclast" Auzépy could not have remained unaffected. single thread that ties all her studies ideological conviction the Isaurians iconoclasts were "the victims a shouting historical injustice" (p. v). Thus harvest nineteen articles book chapter put into collection constitutes ultimate effort at reinstating Isaurian emperors their fellow reshaping face "grands perdants l'histoire viiie siècle" 314) from distortions iconophile sources. brief Avant-propos makes quick reference to "dark ages," period Jonathan Shepard, editor Cambridge History Byzantine Empire (2008), has titled "State Emergency," which used in 2005 write masterful on period. This ("État d'urgence") now composes introductory collection. thematic arrangement revolves around three axes: 1. "The Foundations Orthodoxy:The Council Nicaea II Patriarchate Constantinople," 2. Reconstruction Past," 3. Isaurians: A en creux." In first section, author attempting track urge history opponents. To them, even Christians but Jews or Saracens; human beasts, [End Page 776] lions, dragons. Most section's six Acts (787), with article citing Adversus Constantinum Caballinum. second section refer institutionalization "history iconoclasts" consequences such distorted "history." An analysis Vita Stephani Young shows, according Auzépy, saint who died because his veneration icons participation plot against emperor. Thus, this hagiological work aiming transforming political person martyr defense icons. destruction icon Christ Chalke gate writing presents as causal event brought about eruption iconoclasm is, again later invention early-ninth century it contains elements reign empress Irene (797–802). also challenges attachment John Damascus Mar Sabas Sabaitic hagiography premise Damascene was monk Judean lavra Sabbas Monastery Resurrection Jerusalem. third taking greater risks, sought touch faint footprints iconoclasts. opinion, configured imperial response threat New Israel may be wiped out for insulting God by its idolatrous practices. Here, relations between Carolingians gain distinction. vacuum posed sources filled Western ones Carolingian papal court. vitality foreign policy evident here, served model Carolingians. Libri Carolini, where theologians Charles Great refuted theology II, reveals close relationship Isaurians. restore image uses lives saints considered Through sanctity expressed world through good deeds emerges, different monastic based spiritual exercise miraculous. Another aspect opposition holy relics. she immersed herself what calls pleasant opportunities imagination offered by...
Catholic Historical Review