Philopatris

Philopatris is a satirical dialogue attributed to the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI the Wise, written around the late 9th or early 10th century. The work critiques contemporary Christian society by presenting a fictional conversation between two men, one named Philopatris and another identified as a "barbarian" Christian named Christophoros.

The dialogue centers on Christophoros's conversion to Christianity and his observations about the faith and its adherents. He expresses bewilderment and often humorous criticism regarding Christian practices, beliefs, and the perceived hypocrisy of some clergy and laity. The text satirizes various aspects of Byzantine life, including monasticism, theological debates, and the social customs of the time, often through the lens of an outsider who finds them illogical or absurd.

The authorship of Philopatris has been debated, with some scholars attributing it to Leo VI based on stylistic similarities and references within the text. However, definitive proof remains elusive. The work is significant for its early example of satire within Christian literature and provides insights into the social and religious climate of the Byzantine Empire. Its humor, though sometimes biting, also reflects a complex engagement with the dominant religious ideology of the era.