Themistius the Orator Between Religious Identities and Imperial Politics in the Eastern Part of the Late Roman Empire

Abstract

The fourth century Roman history has often been the subject of studies focusing on Constantine I and members of his family and emperors such as Valentinian- Valens or, for those who prefer a religious historiography, the Christian church fathers. However, the orator, philosopher and statesman Themistius, who acted as the main link in the chain between the rulers and the ruled in his role as the representative of both the people and the senate, is a name that marked the fourth century. The portrayal of the empire through the eyes of Themistius still sheds light on a very lively Roman world beyond military or political narratives. His orations, though mostly political in nature, provide valuable information on the peoples and cities of the Roman Empire in Late Antiquity, as well as on the religious policies of the emperors. The religious policies of emperors such as Constantius II, Jovian and Valens, and the intellectual environment of the period can perhaps best be seen in detail in Themistius. Themistius himself stands out as a figure caught in the middle of this balance of forces, sometimes supporting pro-Christian imperial policies and sometimes opposing Christian religious groups with his pagan identities in local rivalries. This study offers a definitive analysis of Themistius’ position and role in the late “Christian” Roman Empire, the religious environment in the imperial cities from his perspective, and the emperors’ policies of tolerance/intolerance in balancing between religious groups. The conclusions will both show the importance of Themistius as a source for the Roman provinces in the East and provide a new perspective on the fourth-century Roman Empire.