Selected Orations, Volume II

by Libanius

Overview

Pagans’ advocate.

Libanius (AD 314–393) was one of the last great publicists and teachers of Greek paganism. His story, as presented in his Autobiography and the Life by Eunapius, is supplemented by information from a correspondence of over 1500 items and sixty-four extant orations. A native of Antioch, he began his teaching career in Constantinople in 340, but soon had to retire to Nicomedeia, where he became acquainted with St. Basil and influential in the development of Julian’s paganism. After a second tenure at Constantinople he returned home to become professor in Antioch in 354, a position which he held, through many vicissitudes, for the rest of his life.

As sophist of Antioch and a devoted exponent of the traditional Hellenic system of education, Libanius remained deliberately and contemptuously unacquainted with Latin, and deplored its growing influence. Naturally humane in outlook and sympathizing with the local bourgeoisie, he criticized bitterly the encroachments and oppressions of the central administration, and the general cruelty of his day. Sincerely pagan in an increasingly aggressive Christian society, he became an influential voice against religious persecution, official or unofficial. The orations on Julian, to whose memory he remained devoted all his life, were composed between 362 and 365, and present Libanius with a congenial subject, revealing him at the height of his powers and influence.

Also available in the Loeb Classical Library is a two-volume edition of Libanius’ Autobiography and Selected Letters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674994973
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1977
Series:	Loeb Classical Library , #452
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	560
Product dimensions:	4.25(w) x 6.38(h) x 0.90(d)
Language:	Greek, Ancient (to 1453)

About the Author

Albert Francis Norman was Professor of Classics at the University of Hull.

Table of Contents

Preface

Bibliography

Oration 2: To Those Who Called Him Tiresome

Oration 50: For The Peasantry, About Forced Labour

Oration 30: To The Emperor Theodosius, For The Temples

Oration 45: To The Emperor, On The Prisoners

Oration 33: To The Emperor Theodosius, Against Tisamenus

Oration 23: Against The Refugees

Oration 19: To The Emperor Theodosius, About The Riots

Oration 20: To The Emperor Theodosius, After The Reconciliation

Oration 21: To Caesarius, Master Of Offices

Oration 22: To Ellebichus

Oration 48: To The City Council

Oration 49: To The Emperor, For The City Councils

Oration 47: On Protection Systems

Index Of Proper Names: A

Index Of Proper Names: B

Editorial Reviews

Norman’s command of his material is complete and remarkable.

Times Literary Supplement