Justinian I did not blind Flavius Belisarius
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Flavius Belisarius was a Byzantine general during the reign of Justinian I. It was widely believed that Belisarius was blinded by Justinian, due to a painting made, called 'Belisarius Begging for Alms.' It is understandable if nobody does this debate, as there is a lot of evidence supporting my claim that he was not. If anyone is looking for a challenge, however, this is a good debate to take.
Pro= Belisarius was not blinded
Con= Belisarius was blinded
Flavius Belisarius was a Byzantine general during the reign of Justinian I. It was widely believed that Belisarius was blinded by Justinian, due to a painting made, called 'Belisarius Begging for Alms.' - Eclipse
History of the TheoryThe origins of the theory can be traced back to the writings of John Tzetzes, a 12th century monk who wanted to criticize politicians. Many people began to believe it during the French Revolution, when it was used as a symbol of tyranny. - Eclipse
According to a story that gained popularity during the Middle Ages, Justinian is said to have ordered Belisarius's eyes to be put out, and reduced him to the status of a homeless beggar near the Pincian Gate of Rome, condemned to asking passers-by to "give an obolus to Belisarius", before pardoning him.[39] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belisarius#Legend_as_a_blind_beggar
was a Byzantine poet and grammarian who is known to have lived at Constantinople in the 12th century.He was to preserve much valuable information from ancient Greek literature and scholarship.[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Tzetzes
He worked as a secretary to a provincial governor for a time and later began to earn a living by teaching and writing.[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Tzetzes#Biography
Marmontel's novel received a public censure by Louis Legrand of the Sorbonne, which contemporary theologians regarded as a model exposition of theological knowledge and clear thinking.[41] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belisarius#Legend_as_a_blind_beggar
Evidence Against the Theory In 1204, the fourth crusade made a stop in Constantinople. After the sacking, many soldiers mentioned statues of Belisarius. Assuming he had been blinded and disgraced, all statues of him would have been torn down. Other evidence comes from the writings of the Byzantine historian, Procopius. He went along with Belisarius on most of his military campaigns, and wrote about them all. Even in his book, Secret History, criticising Justinian, he never mentioned it. If it had happened, he surely would have mentioned it in his book criticising him. - Eclipse
In 562, Belisarius stood trial in Constantinople, having been accused of participating in a conspiracy against Justinian. His case was judged by the prefect of Constantinople, named Prokopius, and this may have been his former secretary Procopius of Caesarea. Belisarius was found guilty and imprisoned but not long after, Justinian pardoned him, ordered his release, and restored him to favor at the imperial court. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belisarius#Later_life
Its existence was already known from the Suda, which referred to it as Procopius's "unpublished works" containing "satire" and "invective" of Justinian, Theodora, Belisarius and Antonina. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procopius#Secret_History
On the other hand, it has been argued that Procopius prepared the Secret History as an exaggerated document out of fear that a conspiracy might overthrow Justinian's regime, which—as a kind of court historian—might be reckoned to include him. The unpublished manuscript would then have been a kind of insurance, which could be offered to the new ruler as a way to avoid execution or exile after the coup. If this hypothesis were correct, the Secret History would not be proof that Procopius hated Justinian or Theodora.[21] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procopius#Secret_History
Secret History covers roughly the same years as the first seven books of The History of the Wars and appears to have been written after they were published. Current consensus generally dates it to 550, or less commonly, 558.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procopius#Secret_History
Closing StatementsWhile some historians still believe that Belisarius was blinded, there is little evidence to back up their claim. - Eclipse
Philip Stanhope, a 19th-century British philologist who wrote Life of Belisarius believed the story to be true, based on his review of the available primary sources.[40] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belisarius#Legend_as_a_blind_beggar
Stanhope's chief achievements were in the fields of literature and antiquities. In 1842 took a prominent part in passing the Literary Copyright Act 1842. From the House of Lords he was mainly responsible for proposing and organising the foundation of the National Portrait Gallery, London in 1856. A sculpted bust of Stanhope holds the central place over the entrance of the building, flanked by fellow historians and supporters Thomas Carlyle and Lord Macaulay.[6] It was mainly due to him that in 1869 the Historical Manuscripts Commission was started. As president of the Society of Antiquaries (from 1846 onwards), he called attention in England to the need of supporting the excavations at Troy. He was also president of the Royal Literary Fund from 1863 until his death, a trustee of the British Museum and founded the Stanhope essay prize at Oxford in 1855.[5] He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1827.[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Stanhope,_5th_Earl_Stanhope#Contributions_to_culture
Stanhope was the son of Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl Stanhope, and the Hon. Catherine Stanhope, daughter of Robert Smith, 1st Baron Carrington.[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Stanhope,_5th_Earl_Stanhope#Background_and_education
After the publication of Jean-François Marmontel's novel Bélisaire (1767), this account became a popular subject for progressive painters and their patrons in the later 18th century, who saw parallels between the actions of Justinian and the repression imposed by contemporary rulers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belisarius#Legend_as_a_blind_beggar
Justinian is portrayed as cruel, venal, prodigal, and incompetent. In one passage, it is even claimed that he was possessed by demonic spirits or was himself a demon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procopius#Secret_History
Concession. Good opening by pro, and a very well researched counter case by con
While this is a forfeit there are a few things I would like to point out.
The debate is a clear assertion "Justinian I did not blind Flavius Belesarius."
Pro took the opening approach to dispute the origins of the story. A very powerful move, if the references were present. They were not. However Pro made a partial redemption by putting the onus on Con to provide evidence that the blinding did occur as contended.
Pro is still alive in the debate at this point.
Con starts by a systematic sentence by sentence dissection of Pro. One of the first lines Con says he will point out an error in the description, but never does. Con spends significant energy discussing if John Tzetzes was a monk. Con never addresses if this is material to the question.
Con then later admits that the theory cannot be properly established I quote. "Also, In truth, the origins of the theory cannot be properly established as it is a Theological belief."
Con has admitted that the blinding is a theological theory.
Con brings up some valid points about the logic of a blind begged being used for political purposes, and the state argument presented by Pro. Con then proceeds to present a reference from the House of Lords. Con does preemptively partially impeach his own source by referencing a conflict of interest with the Church of England, which turns out to be the only real reference to support the claimed blinding.
Con then argues that while he cannot prove one side, Pro cannot prove the other.
Based on the evidence presented by Con, and his own admission that the retire theory was theological in origin, Pro made a better case. Unfortunately Pro specifically stated they would forfeit, and "willing to give victory". He did not give full victory.
For that reason, I will give Con the warranted victory, however not because of arguments.
Con provided extensive references and was providing links to first sources. Albeit there was no real argument that the blinding occurred, which is central to the debate.
It was very noble of Con to let the issue rest, and not try to belay the issue. Both parties showed polite demeanor, and there was nothing notable in S&G.
If I have erred in my voting strategy, and reasons pursuant to the rules on this site, please let me know and I will make the corrections, and learn from the mistakes.
You can have several debates active at a time. So by all means, start another.
Just like to say thank you for the debate, and for helping me choose my avatar. I went for a picture of Procopious, seen as how my first debate on this site was regarding the writings of procopious, thanks to you.
Thank you for the kind help and support you are providing to newbies such as myself. Please feel free to also answer the question i posed to Ragnar regards to whether i can now start a new debate, even though this debate has currently ran it's course prematurely, but is still for all intents and purposes active
As this debate has ran it's course prematurely, i would like to partake in a new debate. The only problem is that "officially" this current debate is no longer being argued, though i am willing to continue the debate in round 3 if my opponent decides to change his/her mind. I am just wondering however, am i able to create a debate whilst i still have a for all intents and purposes debate running?
I am not a mod. I failed the background check. Ragnar is a mod. You can tell by his Trump colored crown. I don't mind answering questions tho.
My favorite David is Death of Marat, Napolean Crossing the Alps is second. Last year, I suggested we use Tennis Court Oath for our front page- a notion that received exactly zero endorsement.
https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/1557/post_links/65826
Unfortunately the number of rounds cannot be edited after the debate has started. You can simply type one word like "extend," instead of writing any paragraphs for your closing.
I assume you are a moderator? My opponent no longer wishes to contunue due to unforseen circumstances. In the event of me having no debate to counter. I have nothing else to add. Can we close the debate now please?
I am willing to wait until Thursday morning to post my next argument.
The time for arguments for this debate is 3 days- Eclipse has 30 more hours to offer an opening argument.
If Eclipse forfeits, the round will pass to you and I recommend that you make some argument in R1 before giving it back to Eclipse. Most folks simply say something about how they're choosing to wait to see if their opponent will make any effort. I usually make some low effort argument just to stay ahead of my opponent and demonstrate worthiness for full points: argument, sources, grammar, conduct, but in this specific case that might take more effort than will seem worthwhile. If Eclipse forfeits more than 50% of arguments (2 rounds in this case) this debate will be judged a full forfeit and likely any and all points will be awarded to you.
the rule for new voters is "read the site's COC AND either completed at least 2 non-troll debates without any forfeits" I assume that only means no forfeits on your part, since you have not control over opponent's forfeits. Voting period is one month so even if Eclipse never shows this won't count towards voting for another five weeks or so.
Thank you oromagi....It appears my opponent has gone awol. What happens in the event that he does not show up? Will this debate still be included in one of my three debates to obtaining voting status? Will the debate just be pulled? Or will the round just pass to me?
I would just like to say, i am away working without internet access between Wednesday and Friday evening, so if this debate is still going on, on wednesday morning, can i then ask for the good grace of my opponent to not post his argument until Thursday evening or Friday morning, so that i can then resond, with what i imagine would be the final round, on Saturday
Welcome, Nevets. I am glad this is going to get a debate.
Justinian I was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 527-565. Belisarius was one of his best generals. Justinian had Belisarius conquer North Africa, Italy, and Parts of Iberia, which was its largest extent.
Thanks
Who is this guy?
Good subject, although personally, I agree with your Pro position. Nevertheless, I have two separate arguments against the proposal, but both have weaknesses, and two is not sufficient for the debate. I will hold for now, but, if within 12 days' time, you do not have a Con argument, I will engage.
Great subject. Welcome to the site!
If anyone has questions about this debate, post them here.