Dances at the Palace. Classical Reminiscences in Byzantine Historiography.

he purpose of this article is to comment on three dance-related passages from the Χρονικὴ διήγησις of the Byzantine historian Niketas Choniates (1155 ca.–1217). A linguistic analysis will identify both the precise classical reminiscences used by the author and the medieval reality transfigured through his archaizing linguistic choices. An introduction summarizes some aspects of Constantinopolitan dance in its specific connection with political power