Abstract

The article reflects on the significance provided by the translations of philosophical texts in Byzantium in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. Also, it exposes the importance of translating Aristotle’s and other philosophers’ texts in Latin and Latin texts in Greek language. The article presents the work of the brothers Cydones, Prochoros and Demetrius. They both were Byzantine theologians, scholars and translators. In addition, Prochoros was a monk and anti- -palamite, whereas Demetrius was a man of letters, but also had a central role in the political and cultural life of Byzantium. During the rule of the Emperor John VI Cantacuzenus, he received the title of mesazon. Furthermore, he became a renowned translator by translating the works of Thomas Aquinas, Augustine and other Latin writers. The Cydones brothers both used a mixed method of translation that included the ad verbum and the ad sententiam method which made them possible to achieve accurate and elegant translations. They struggled to keep the verbal structure of the original Latin works, but only as far as the meaning of the words and the text itself, were not compromised. Moreover, they both aspired for the reconciliation of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church and through that process they eventually converted to Roman Catholicism. Demetrius’ translations had a major influence in the expansion of the scholastic theology and philosophy, as well as in forming a new religious rationalism with Aristotelian foundations. Therefore, the aforementioned translations represent an essential contribution to the creation of right conditions for a new dialogue between the Latin West and the Greek East, based on mutual recognition and philosophical engagement.