“Divine” Diseases and Illnesses in Constantinople During the 14th-15th centuries

A case study of three contemporary works

Abstract

This article examines three cases of diseases and illnesses in Constantinople during the 14th and 15th centuries, exploring how these were utilized as theological arguments in the conflict over the Union of the Churches among the citizens of the Byzantine capital. Through the analysis and translations of a letter by Demetrios Cydones, a letter by John Eugenicos, and a portion of an oration by Theodore Agallianos, this paper demonstrates how each scholar used these physical phenomena to support their theological and ecclesiastical positions. These works are considered to be of high literary quality, underscoring the high level of education in Constantinople, even during the late decades of its Byzantine existence.