Theophanes Continuatus

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Theophanes Continuatus is a group of four historical writings preserved in an 11th‑century manuscript (Vat. gr. 167). It continues Theophanes the Confessor’s Chronicle, covering the years 813–961, but the four works are quite different from Theophanes’ annals.

- First: Four books with biographies of emperors from 813 (Leo the Armenian) to 867 (Michael III). Commissioned by Emperor Constantine VII, these biographies reflect the Macedonian dynasty’s point of view and likely draw on the same sources as Genesios.

- Second: Vita Basilii, the Life of Basil I (867–886), written by Basil’s grandson Constantine VII around 950. It mainly praises Basil and his reign while criticizing Michael III.

- Third: A history of 886–948, in form and content close to the history of Symeon Logothetes, with a final section continuing the narrative to 961.

- Fourth: The final portion is probably by Theodore Daphnopates, written shortly before 963.