chronikóns

A chronikon is a type of historical chronicle originating in the Byzantine Empire. These works typically present a chronological account of past events, often starting from the creation of the world or a significant biblical event and continuing up to the author's own time. The primary purpose of a chronikon was to preserve historical knowledge and to demonstrate the continuity of divine providence through history.

Byzantine chronikons were not simply dry lists of dates and events. They often included theological interpretations, moral reflections, and the author's personal biases. The scope could vary widely, with some covering vast periods and others focusing on more specific eras or regions. They served as important sources of information for later historians and were influential in shaping the understanding of history within the Orthodox Christian world. Many chronikons were written by monks or clergy, reflecting the close relationship between the church and historical writing in Byzantium. The genre continued to be produced throughout the Byzantine period and influenced similar historical writings in neighboring cultures.