Anything becomes difficult to manage after a war.
Especially since central Greece, comparable in size to Morea, was reclaimed all at once, the confusion and backlash were even greater.
Among these issues, two stood out: the restoration of the Parthenon church and the lack of control over newly emerging local powers in central Greece, along with the shortage of talented individuals. Establishing an academy emerged as a way to address both issues simultaneously.
However, even this establishment could not proceed immediately, as the obstacles lay not only in finances but also in disputes over who would be appointed as teachers.
When the suggestion to invite Plethon, who had recently begun to gain attention, was made, a loud outcry echoed. The anger behind the voice filled Mistra’s court with a chilling atmosphere.
The one voicing his anger was none other than Bishop Nikephoros. Known for his gentle nature and frequent role as a mediator in disputes, the bishop’s rare display of passion was notable.
Although the reactions of the retainers weren’t as intense, they were not exactly welcoming either. Their eyes, filled with doubt and suspicion, conveyed subtle reproach. This attitude from the retainers only bolstered the bishop’s position, making his voice rise even more.
“Your Highness, why would you choose such a man? Is he not someone even His Majesty, Emperor Manuel, was wary of?”
“I read the reform proposals he submitted and found them reasonable.
Upon realizing that the tax system, designed to prevent even a single penny from being lost, had instead become a harsh chain oppressing the free farmers, I resolved to abolish unnecessary and redundant taxes.
I discovered that I wasn’t alone in this opinion and recognized his ability and determination to carry out such reforms. With his reputation, there is no one more suited for the position of the academy’s teacher.”
As the empire’s decline became inevitable, class conflicts reached their peak. The reason this is spoken of in the past tense is that the overly strong ruling class had already suppressed all opposition. The people of the capital dismissed these as mere peasant revolts, failing to grasp the underlying message.
Those who sold their land to become tenant farmers to escape harsh taxes. Priest whose repeated acts of donation and funds had swollen their ranks. The excessive expansion of these two classes left no place for free farmers.
The peasant revolts that occurred during the empire’s collapse were the last uprisings of those enraged by this society and simultaneously a sign that they no longer had the strength to resist.
At least, that’s how it’s viewed.
The powerful local nobility in Morea alone reveals much. The empire’s failure was that all its rulers came from the same influential families. The former emperor, John Kantakouzenos, who had the ability and decisiveness to change this abnormal economic structure, failed to recognize the situation due to his aristocratic background.
In contrast, Plethon’s reform proposals accurately pinpointed this issue.
He also argued that the excessive centralization of power and administrative burden in the central government were causing a loss of administrative efficiency. Whether this opinion was true or not, the empire no longer had the strength to maintain absolute imperial rule.
Even in Morea, to quell the backlash from local powers and reorganize the state with new governance structures, town councils were being established. This alignment in reform direction between Plethon and myself is another reason for choosing him.
However, these rational reasons are blocked by a single point of dispute.
“But he is a heretic!”
The reason for the argument with Bishop Nikephoros.
The bishop’s intense anger stemmed from the actions of Plethon, the most renowned scholar of the Balkans, known as a pinnacle of Greek and Roman culture and a revivalist of ancient philosophy. This elderly scholar revered Plato so deeply that he even changed his name to Plethon, a homage to Plato. The reason why such a famous figure remained in enigma was due to the shocking claims he made.
He argued that the church was no longer necessary. When rumors spread that he even adhered to ancient paganism, the church began to monitor Plethon’s every move. As a result, Plethon had been living in seclusion, isolated from the world.
Bishop Nikephoros pointed this out precisely, raising his momentum.
“Not only did he make the outrageous claim that the church is unnecessary, but there are even rumors that he is a follower of paganism. How can Your Highness pretend not to know that merely bringing such a man into court would cast doubt on your faith? Have you not managed well enough against the Muslims until now?
Your Highness, please do not make a choice that would tarnish your honor and faith. I beg you not to ignore my plea, sincerely hoping that Your Highness will be the protector of the church.”
This is why the bishop’s words couldn’t be dismissed outright. Bringing or supporting someone suspected of heresy into the court would be an act condemned by the church. A compromise that would somewhat satisfy both the church and Plethon had to be found.
Judging by the current reactions, however, Bishop Nikephoros, as the church’s representative, would not easily back down.
In any case, persuading the church was necessary before meeting with Plethon.
Thus, it was time to play the largest card prepared in anticipation of opposition.
“While it’s true that Plethon’s heretical actions are suspicious, there is no definitive evidence yet. I will personally interrogate him on this matter, and if he has been misled by false knowledge of heresy, I will guide him back to the right path. However, it is natural that some will distrust him because of a momentary lapse.”
Although it seemed like a risky gamble, it wasn’t an entirely unreasonable one. After skillfully seizing the opportunity to reclaim central Greece and extend the empire’s influence into Epirus, the recent restoration of the Parthenon’s Church had also intensified the church’s support. Such an enormous gamble could be dangerous.
This wasn’t merely to appease the church’s power in Morea. The card to be played was also meant to check the political forces in the capital. Given that a long-term strategy was already in sight, it was inevitable that the central government of the empire and Morea would counterbalance each other.
This was because the central government, which preserved the glory and tradition of the thousand-year empire, viewed Morea, which had independently set out to reclaim the Balkans without its control, unfavorably.
The representative figure turning into an opponent was likely John. Although the number of those supporting this side had recently increased, many still sided with John. Therefore, this decision was necessary.
For the empire and the church, survival was as crucial as continuity.
“I intend to announce to the world the innocence and faith of Morea, including myself, through the establishment of a metropolitan seat.”
The atmosphere, which had grown cold, became heavy in a different sense. Bishop Nikephoros, unable to speak, simply stared, while only the tax collector, Adrianos, managed to stammer out a single word.
“Me-metropolitan seat…”
Adrianos had every reason to be shocked. The central government would do everything in its power to prevent this. The only way the capital governed Morea was through the religious fervor of the Bishopric. The establishment of a metropolitan seat would tip the scales of power in favor of Morea. However, this was a double-edged sword that could accelerate the empire’s division in the distant future.
Thus, Plethon was necessary.
A philosopher who would ensure that the church’s division did not lead to the empire’s fragmentation. A thinker who would propose a new ideology to bind the empire together for another millennium, replacing the church that had held the thousand-year empire together.
TL : Wow, this chapter is confusing as hell if you’re not familiar with politics. Best of luck!
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