Selected Orations, Volume I: Julianic Orations

by Libanius, A.F. Norman (Translator)

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.

Genres: Ancient History

592 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Libanius (Greek: Λιβάνιος, Libanios; c. 314 – 392 or 393) was a Greek teacher of rhetoric of the Sophist school. During the rise of Christian hegemony in the later Roman Empire, he remained unconverted and in religious matters was a pagan Hellene.

Reviews

[Jonas Roose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aan Libanios zie je wat er gebeurt als je al je hoop voor de toekomst op 1 persoon inzet en deze dan vroeg sterft. Maar Libanios blijft zijn idealen en zijn idool Julianos ook na diens dood trouw.

Normans vertaling was geheel naar mijn smaak. Zijn Engels is intussen wat verouderd, dat spreekt voor zich, maar het is tenminste idiomatisch en geen 'letterlijke' vertaling die de doeltaal geweld aandoet.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting oration selections from Libanius--particularly since he was a pagan rhetorician vehemently opposed to Christianity and dedicated to Julian the Apostate and the restoration of the worship of pagan gods. For me, this book provide the opportunity to perceive ideas, people, religion, etc. through an alternate worldview, which is always educational. The translation choices were strange in a few places--phrases such as "every Tom, Dick and Harry" and "Scot-free" seem odd in a 4th century oration--but, handily, the Greek version of the orations runs parallel with the English translation for personal reference.