SimonidesGERMAN.pdf
Anna MykoniatiKonstantinos Simonides is one of the most versatile nineteenth century forgers of ancient manuscripts. Because of the extent and diversity of his rich production, he caused controversy among experts of his time and became a legendary persona, who forged his own life and his reputation managed to exceed the restricted limits of 19th century Greece. This paper aims to spread light firstly in the ambiguous life of Simonides with a thorough biography (following his journey from his home island, Symi, to Mount Athos, Athens, London, Constantinople, Odessa, Moscow, Berlin and Alexandria, where he allegedly died) and secondly to his lifetime work: for 25 years he wrote, copied, forged, edited, litigated and claimed the authorship of numerous manuscripts. Apart from forging existing –well or less known- ancient and ecclesiastical texts he proceeded to what we may call “creative forgeries”. These are texts originally written by him and attributed to existing or made-up ancient writers. A full list of his bibliography and alleged forgeries is presented. This paper is part of a book titled “Fake Antiquities. Another Aspect of the Reception of Cultural Heritage in the Modern Greek State” (https://issuu.com/annamykoniati/docs/mikoniati_book_for_issuu)
