Nicephorus Blemmydes

c. 1197-1272. Greek theologian. The Fourth Crusade ended with the capture and sacking of Constantinople in 1204. The Byzantine Empire disintegrated, and three independent Greek centers were formed while the Latins controlled Constantinople. One of the three was Nicea, which became an important Greek political and cultural center. Blemmydes became an outstanding figure in the cultural life there, founding a monastery, establishing a school, and becoming a teacher of philosophy. He wrote in various areas of church and state, and a number of theological works in the fields of dogmatics, polemics, poetry, sermons, etc. He was known also for his secular works, such as his political writing The Imperial Statue, and for his philosophical and geographical writings. He died in his monastery.