The Languages of the Byzantine Empire: A Historical Perspective

The Byzantine Empire, a continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces, was governed by a complex and evolving linguistic landscape. Greek, in particular a form known as Medieval Greek, was the primary language of administration, literature, and culture throughout the Byzantine period. However, the usage of Latin also played a significant role, especially during the earlier years.

The Dominance of Greek

By the sixth century, Greek had predominated over Latin in the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire. Latin continued to be used in certain contexts, such as legal documents, where it was essential to maintain precision and historical continuity. Nevertheless, as the empire evolved, the use of Greek became increasingly dominant, reflecting changes in society and culture. By the end of the 6th century, Greek was the language of all forms of official writing, including laws and administrative communications.

The Roman Legacy and the Transition to Greek

The Roman Empire, originally a Latin-speaking entity, gradually adopted Greek as its administrative language, particularly in the eastern provinces. This linguistic shift was accelerated after the conquest of Greece, where educated Romans took Greek professors to educate their children. The upper class of Rome, including nobles and officials, was bilingual, proficient in both Latin and Greek.

With the division of the Roman Empire into the Eastern and Western parts, the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, maintained the use of both languages. However, over time, the Greek language became more prevalent due to the influence of Greek scholars and their contributions in philosophy, rhetoric, mathematics, and science. The Latin language, once dominant, gradually declined in official and everyday use as the empire became more Hellenized.

The Evolution of the Greek Language

The Greek language of the Byzantine period was not a direct continuation of ancient Greek but rather a form of Koinē Greek, which became a common language used by diverse populations across the Mediterranean. This form of Greek was characterized by its simplicity and ease of use, reflecting the needs of a wider population beyond just the educated elite.

Byzantine scholars and writers often aimed to imitate antique styles, leading to the use of Atticism, a form of linguistic purism. However, this pursuit often disconnected these works from everyday speech. From the 12th century onwards, vernacular literature began to emerge, written in a more common language that approached the spoken tongue.

The Problem of Bilingualism

The transition to a predominantly Greek-speaking empire did not mean the complete abandonment of Latin. The problem of bilingualism became more pronounced with the gradual decline of Latin. By the end of the 6th century, Latin was no longer used in any official capacity, but it persisted in some legal documents and administrative practices.

Church language, on the other hand, remained Greek, as it had been since the conversion of the Eastern Roman Empire to Christianity. This choice was influenced by the common Hellenistic language of everyday spoken discourse during the Byzantine period.

Conclusion

The languages of the Byzantine Empire reflect a complex history of linguistic evolution and cultural identity. While Greek emerged as the dominant language, Latin played a significant role, particularly in early legal and administrative contexts. The Byzantine period saw the emergence of a distinct form of Greek, Koinē, that reflected the needs and values of a Hellenized society. The study of these languages provides insight into the cultural and administrative development of one of the most enduring empires in history.