Bede, the Papacy, and the Emperors of Constantinople

Abstract This article argues that the historical writings of Venerable Bede (d. 735) can also be used by scholars examining political history Eastern Roman Empire in seventh and eighth centuries. Although Byzantinists have increasingly drawn upon texts written Syriac, Arabic, other eastern languages their scholarship, sources composed post-Roman West yet to utilised same extent. is particularly informative for reigns Phocas (602–10), Constans II (641–68), Justinian (685–95, 705–11), three emperors who were vilified later Greek sources. By considering near-contemporary perspectives preserved Bede’s Ecclesiastical History Chronicle alongside evidence, a more nuanced understanding reached these emperors’ final years. Moreover, unique reports strengthen view papal should integrated into studies imperial politics. The papacy emerges as loyal partisan 610 an institution linked growing unrest against 660s, while century recounted Pope Constantine gave unheeded advice prior his downfall. In all cases, yields new insights ties bound together Rome Constantinople, further demonstrating utility Latin reconstructing events Mediterranean, even at end Late Antiquity.