Platonic dialogue “Xenedemos” by Theodoros Prodromos: ancient protagonists and their Byzantine prototypes

The dialogue “Xenedemos, or Voices” is a little-known philosophical work by Theodoros Prodromos, an outstanding 12th century Byzantine writer. The objective of the paper is to reveal, who of Byzantine intellectuals of the time could serve as prototypes of the main protagonists of the dialogue. The historical and logical content of “Xenedemos” is analysed. It is argued that its main character, named Theokles, encompasses crucial features of Michael Psellos and John Italos.