Details

Subject(s)

• Valens, Emperor of the East, approximately 328-378 [Browse]
• Byzantine Empire—History—Valens, 364-378—Sources [Browse]
• Themistius [Browse]
• Speeches, addresses, etc., Greek—Translations into English [Browse]

Translator

• Swain, Simon [Browse]

Writer of introduction

• Swain, Simon [Browse]

Writer of added commentary

• Swain, Simon [Browse]

Series

• Translated texts for historians ; v. 78. [More in this series]
• Translated texts for historians ; 78 [More in this series]

Summary note

"Themistius and Valens offers the first complete English translation and analysis of Themistius' speeches for or on behalf of the emperor Valens (r. 364-378). As a Westerner and a Latin speaker, Valens had a tough job to convince the aristocracies of Constantinople and the East that he shared their expectations and knew how to preserve their wealth and security. By 364 Themistius already enjoyed huge influence. He was famous as a philosopher who was 'an exceptional citizen', and his leadership of the dramatic expansion of the Senate in 359 gave him the best address book in town. His ambition and political sense made him a perfect ally for communicating imperial policy and action. These speeches present the major issues Valens faced: his right to rule alongside the Western emperor, his brother Valentinian, his handling of the revolt of Procopius, his ability to manage the empire's economy and borders, his wars against the Goths and the Persians, his controversial religious and judicial policies, and the clever diplomatic work Themistius undertook for him in the lead up to his death in battle in 378."-- Page 4 of cover.

Notes

Oration 12 is omitted here, as it is a Renaissance forgery written in Latin--Page xi note.

Bibliographic references

Includes bibliographical references (pages 367-386) and index.

Rights and reproductions note

Current Copyright Fee: GBP25.00 0.

Language note

Texts in English, translated from the original Greek. Introduction and annotations in English.

Contents

• Part one. General introduction: Themistius
• Valens
• Valens' speeches
• Themistius' Valens
• Other sources
• Translation and text.
• Part two [Translations with commentary]: Oration 6. Loving brothers, or Love of mankind
• Oration 7. The unfortunates
• Oration 8. Fifth anniversary: On the nature of kings
• Oration 9. Lessons for Valentinianus
• Oration 10. The Peace
• Oration 11. Tenth anniversary: Speech right for the King
• g Oration 13. Love, or The beauty of the King.

Show 10 more Contents items

Other title(s)

Orations 6-13

ISBN

• 9781800856776 ((hardcover))
• 1800856776 ((hardcover))

OCLC

1241732363

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