ABSTRACT
When, at the end of the eighth century, literary production in Byzantium regained momentum, one looks in vain for writings in which an author develops a coherent anthropology. Instead, there is a plethora of encomia and saints' lives. The work of Patriarch Methodios of Constantinople (after 787-847) is no exception. Methodios is chiefly known as one of the leading figures of the iconodule party under the emperors Michael and Theophilos, and as the restorer of icons and icon worship under the empress-regent Theodora.1 However, he was also one of the leading intellectuals of his time whose prowess impressed even his enemies, if we are to believe the assertion of his Vita that Theophilos had him brought to the Palace to discuss theological questions.2 Nevertheless, apart from the letters he wrote as patriarch, all that have survived of his writings are narrative texts: three encomia of 'old' saints, Agatha, Nicholas and Dionysios,3 two lives of contemporary saints, abbot Theophanes the Confessor and Euthymios the metropolitan of Sardes,4 and a number of canons, including one on Lucy of Syracuse.5
