Key Figures
The People Who Shaped Chalcedon
Pope Leo I
Bishop of Rome and a key proponent of the Chalcedonian Definition.
His Tome was read at the Council of Chalcedon and helped in defining Christ’s two natures (divine and human). This became a foundation for the council’s teachings. His influence solidified the Roman Church’s theological and political authority.
Dioscorus of Alexandria
Patriarch of Alexandria and defender of miaphysitism.
Dioscorus opposed the phrase “in two natures,” and preferred the Alexandrian tradition of Christ as one united nature. He was barred from attending Chalcedon, which ultimately led to the schism between Chalcedonian and Oriental Orthodox churches.
Emperor Marcian
Byzantine emperor who called the Council of Chalcedon.
Marcian wanted to unify the empire under a single Christian doctrine. He used the council to address theological disputes and strengthen Constantinople’s influence in the Church. However, this backfired and lead to the schism in the church that is still present today.