The Epitome physica by Nikephoros Blemmydes

2014 – 2023

‘Science and philosophy of nature in the Byzantine world and in the Renaissance: the Epitome physica by Nikephoros Blemmydes’ (2014-2023) is a research project on the epitome physica (‘Compendium of physics’) by Nikephoros Blemmydes (1197-after 1269) under the direction of Professor Dr Christian Brockmann and the coordination of Dr Stefano Valente.

The epitome physica ranks as one of the most important textbooks on Aristotelian Physics and Natural Philosophy during the Byzantine and post-Byzantine ages whose influence extended from its compilation up to the Renaissance and the Turcocracy. However, due to the absence of a comprehensive study of this work and its reception during the Renaissance period, its importance remains underappreciated. In order to fully outline the textual and cultural tradition of the epitome physica, this project will investigate new areas of interest which emerged from the research performed during the first funding period from 2014 to 2017. (A monograph of these previous results is currently being prepared for publication.)

Furthermore, the final output of the research project will be the first critical edition of the Greek text based on the complete investigation of its sources as well as of the manuscript tradition, including the manuscripts dating to the late 15th and 16th century. As a result, the epitome physica will for the first time be made accessible to a larger audience and serve as the basis for further research on Byzantine philosophy and scholarship.