Formen der Anrede im byzantinischen Brief vom 6. bis zum 12. Jahrhundert

This study is the first major systematic investigation on forms of address in Byzantine epistolography from the sixth to the twelfth centuries. It follows the publications of Lucilla Dinneen, who investigated "Titles of Address in Greek Epistolography to 527 A.D." (Washington DC 1929), and of Henrik Zilliacus analyzing abstract forms of address and terms of courtesy (Untersuchungen zu den abstrakten Anredeformen und Höflichkeitstiteln im Griechischen. Helsingfors 1949). It is based on more than 3600 letters written by 100 epistolographers providing about 5500 forms of address, which are listed in an alphabetic catalogue. This catalogue also shows the wide range of vocabulary used by letter writers. Direct and indirect forms of address constitute an essential part of the Byzantine letter and therefore they were carefully chosen by epistolographers. Approximately 60% of all letters contain forms of address. They indicate the relation between sender and receiver. Is there intimacy between two correspondents emphasizing notions of friendship or are they on more formal terms? The vocabulary used by letter-writers originates from different levels: From words of classical background (e.g. Homer, Plato), to biblical illusions (especially from the letters of the new testament) and Byzantine terms (especially titles). Byzantine sources offer less information on forms of address, but the quantity of the collected material allows to make an attempt to analyze characteristics and tendencies of their usage. Certain social groups (emperor and his family, clergy and secular persons) make use of characteristic forms of address. Taking forms of address into consideration an anonymous person`s social position could be determined.