Snezhana Rakova

The Novel about the Greedy Logothete
in Nicetas Choniates

Byzantine historian Nicetas Chomiates, who live in the period between the second half of 12th C. and the beginning of 13th C. (died c. 1208) is famous by his History of the emperors Comnenes. Being very high officer in the Byzantine administration, he is eyewitness of the pillage of Constantinople by the Crusaders of Forth Crusade and describes his emotions and his peripeteia. In his History we found a very interesting novel about the greedy Logothete of the dromos – Ioannes Camatires, which is included in the historical content for “usefulness, lesson and amusement” of the readers. The image of the greedy Logothete who also drinks like a fish is some how closely linked with the personages of Rablais’ story Gargantua and Pantagruel.