John Phokas facts for kids
John Phokas was a traveler from the Byzantine Empire in the 1100s. He went on a special trip, called a pilgrimage, to the Holy Land. This is a region in the Middle East that is very important to many religions. Phokas wrote a famous book about his journey. It was called the Ekphrasis, which means "Concise Description of the Holy Places." Some people think his book is one of the best travel stories from that time. Recently, some historians have wondered if John Phokas really wrote the book. They now think another person, John Doukas, might have written it instead. He also traveled to the Holy Land around the same time.
Who Was John Phokas?
Not much is known about John Phokas's early life. We know he was a priest. His father, Matthew, became a monk on an island called Patmos. Phokas's journey to the Holy Land happened either in 1177 or 1195.
He traveled with Emperor Manuel I Komnenos on a trip to the sea near a place called Attaleia. Today, this place is known as Antalya in Turkey. Some historians believe he might be the same "Focas" who helped a crusader army in 1147. This Focas guided King Conrad III of Germany's army from Nicaea to Iconium.
His Famous Travel Book
John Phokas's book, the Ekphrasis, is known for being clear and accurate. He wrote about the places he saw in a detailed way. He also had a positive view of the Crusaders, who were Christian soldiers from Europe.
Phokas shared some unique information in his book. For example, he described a group of people called the Chasisioi. These might have been the Assassins, a secret group known for their skills.
He called the Jordan River "the holiest among rivers." He also mentioned three monasteries near where Jesus was baptized. These monasteries were dedicated to Our Lady of Kalamon, John Chrysostom, and John the Baptist. He noted that Emperor Manuel I had rebuilt the monastery for John the Baptist.
Phokas also wrote that Cana was just a small fortified village. He said there were two monasteries on top of Mount Tabor, one Greek and one Latin. He also described the ancient city of Jericho as being full of gardens and vineyards.
Why He Wrote the Ekphrasis
Besides the Bible, Phokas also used writings from old authors like Josephus Flavius and Achilles Tatius. His book might have been written to respond to another travel account. This other book was by Constantine Manasses. Manasses had returned from the Holy Land feeling disappointed. He wondered why Christ had lived in such a place.
In contrast, Phokas's Ekphrasis often highlighted the beauty of the places he visited. He wanted to show how wonderful and important these holy sites were.
See also
- Phokas (Byzantine family)
