ZONARAS, JOANNES

flourished 12th century Byzantine historian whose world history, Historical Epitome, extending from the creation to 1118, provides valuable information on the 11th century. After holding high office in Constantinople under Alexius I Comnenus, Zonaras became a monk and retired to a remote island. In Historical Epitome he drew on a rich collection of sources, some of which, notably several books of Dio Cassius' Romaika, are preserved only through him. A Lexicon and theological writings are also attributed to him.