Malalas

Malalas, also known as Malal or Malalas of Edessa, was a Byzantine chronicler and historian who lived in the 6th century CE. His most significant work is the Universal Chronicle, a history of the world from creation to his own time. This chronicle is particularly valuable for its detailed accounts of the early Byzantine Empire and the reign of Emperor Justinian I.

Malalas's background is not extensively documented, but he is believed to have been from Edessa, in Roman Syria, and possibly served as a lawyer or a high-ranking official. His chronicle, written in Greek, is characterized by its annalistic style, presenting events chronologically. It covers a vast sweep of history, including biblical narratives, the history of ancient Greece and Rome, and the Byzantine period.

One of the key contributions of Malalas's work is its focus on social and economic history, offering insights into the lives of ordinary people, customs, and daily life, which were often overlooked by other historians of the era. He also includes information on religious events and the development of Christianity.

The Universal Chronicle was influential in the Byzantine world and was later translated and continued by other historians. Although some scholars have noted inconsistencies and a sometimes anecdotal approach in his writing, Malalas remains an important source for understanding the history, culture, and religious landscape of the late Roman and early Byzantine periods. His work provides a unique perspective on a crucial transitional era in Mediterranean history.