ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the image of the Westerners as seen by the court orators during John II Komnenos’ reign. It argues that, despite the lack of trust in – and occasionally the prejudice against – Westerners, anti-Latin feelings were not particularly strong yet, except when “Franks” were treated in conjunction with other peoples or when Byzantine views towards the Venetians were concerned. The fact that the term ‘barbarian’ was not used for the Latins in the sources of the period is significant, because it shows that there were still points of contact between Byzantium and the West, despite Byzantine reservations. The perception of the Westerners was going through a transitional stage. It was only during the reign of Manuel that Byzantines started voicing unambiguous anti-Latin sentiments, which were ultimately confirmed when Byzantium fell to the Latins in 1204.
