Tracing Origins and Misconceptions
When we hear "Roma" today, we think of an ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage. However, in the Byzantine Empire until the 9th century, the term "Roma" had an entirely different connotation, unrelated to the modern Roma community. It referred to followers of a Christian heresy that first emerged in the 2nd century AD. This article delves into the evolution of the term “Roma,” the heretical movements associated with it, and its eventual connection to the Roma people we recognize today.
Historical Context and Sources
The insights in this exploration are largely drawn from the seminal work of Professor Ioannis A. Panagiotopoulos, The Roma (Herodotus Publications, 2008), supplemented by the writings of Ecumenical Patriarch Methodius I (843–847). These sources trace the origins and practices of early heretical groups like the Theodotians and Melchisedekians, who played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the Roma in Byzantium.
The Heretical Roots: Theodotians and Melchisedekians
The early Christian Church faced countless heresies, among which the Theodotians and Melchisedekians stand out for their influence on the Byzantine “Roma.” The Theodotians, led by figures like Theodotus the Scythian and Theodotus the Banker, rejected traditional Christian doctrines, claiming Christ was merely human and diminishing the divinity of the Word. Their teachings drew heavily on classical philosophy and medicine, distorting biblical texts to fit their beliefs.
The Melchisedekians, closely linked to the Theodotians, elevated Melchisedek above Christ in power and significance, sparking condemnation from Church Fathers like Hippolytus and Epiphanius. Although these heresies faded by the 3rd century, remnants of their beliefs persisted, particularly in Phrygia, where followers eventually became known as “Roma.”
The Roma and Ritual Practices
By the 6th century, the term "Roma" was firmly associated with these groups, whose distinct rituals set them apart. They observed the Sabbath, rejected circumcision, and avoided physical contact with others, often refusing to accept or give items directly. These practices, rooted in purification rituals and influenced by early Jewish mysticism, contributed to their reputation as practitioners of magic and divination.
The Roma’s mystical practices, as described by Methodius and other Byzantine scholars, included astrology, auguries, omens, and magical ceremonies. They claimed to summon celestial bodies and manipulate stars to influence outcomes, blending elements of Eastern astrology, Jewish mysticism, and demonology. These rituals were condemned by the Church, with the Council of Constantinople (691) officially denouncing such practices.
Legacy and Connection to Modern Roma
By the 8th century, the term “Roma” evolved, and the heretical groups became marginalized, eventually intertwining with communities later identified as the Roma people. While their mystical practices and avoidance of contact set them apart, these traits were reframed through cultural and historical shifts.
Today, the Roma community is far removed from these Byzantine heretical movements, though the term’s Byzantine origins provide a fascinating lens through which to view the historical evolution of their identity. Exploring this legacy offers insights into how cultural and religious perceptions shaped the narrative of the Roma in Byzantine society and beyond.
Conclusion
The Roma of Byzantium were not the ethnic group we recognize today but rather a religiously distinct community whose practices and beliefs stirred controversy in the early Christian Church. Their journey from heretical sects to an ethnic identity underscores the complexity of history, language, and cultural transformation, revealing a unique chapter in the story of both Byzantium and the modern Roma people.
