Libanius (314-393 CE) 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 64 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's "Autobiography and Selected Letters,"
General
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