Gemistos Plethon

Georgios Gemistos Plethon, born around the year thirteen fifty-five, emerged as a pivotal figure in the intellectual landscape of the Late Byzantine era. Renowned as a philosopher and scholar, he played a crucial role in the revival of Greek scholarship in Western Europe, influencing the course of Renaissance thought.

In his final literary work, the Nomoi or Book of Laws, Plethon boldly rejected Christianity, advocating instead for a return to the worship of classical Hellenic deities. His philosophical inquiries were enriched by ancient wisdom, drawing inspiration from Zoroaster and the Magi, which showcased his eclectic approach to spirituality and knowledge.

Plethon's participation in the Council of Florence in the years fourteen thirty-eight to fourteen thirty-nine marked a significant moment in his life, as he sought to reintroduce Plato's ideas to the Western world. Although his efforts to reconcile the East-West Schism were ultimately unsuccessful, they underscored his commitment to philosophical dialogue and cultural exchange.

Throughout his life, Plethon articulated a vision for a reborn Byzantine Empire, centered in Mystras, and proposed a utopian Hellenic system of governance. His assertion that 'We are Hellenes by race and culture' has sparked ongoing discussions about Byzantine and modern Greek identity, earning him the titles of both 'the last Hellene' and 'the first modern Greek.'