Themistius, Julian, and Greek Political Theory under Rome
Texts, Translations, and Studies of Four Key Works

A critical edition, translation and analysis of four texts illustrating the relation of kings and courtiers in the fourth-century Roman world.

Simon Swain (Author)

9781107633766, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 November 2018

230 pages
23 x 15.3 x 1 cm, 0.34 kg

'Swain's book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of political theory and rhetoric in the High Empire and allows classicists access to texts previously out of the mainstream of research.' Patrick Paul Hogan, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Themistius' close relationship with Christian emperors from Constantius to Theodosius makes him one of the most important political thinkers and politicians of the later fourth century, and his dealings with Julian the Apostate have recently attracted much speculation. This volume presents a new critical edition, translation and analysis of Themistius' letter to Julian about kingship and government, which survives mainly in Arabic, together with texts, translations and analyses of Julian's Letter to Themistius and Sopater's Letter to Himerius. The volume is completed with a text, translation and analysis of the other genuine work of Greek political theory to survive in Arabic, the Letter of Aristotle to Alexander, which dates from an earlier period and throws into relief the particular concerns of Themistius, Julian, and the rulers of the fourth-century Roman world.

Introduction
Part I. Studies: 1. The political letter: Sopater, Letter to Himerius
2. Themistius, Letter to Julian
Appendix to Chapter 2. The Letter to Julian – Greek into Arabic
3. Themistius, Julian, and Julian's Letter to Themistius
4. Letter of Aristotle to Alexander
Epilogue
Appendix to Part I. Letter of Aristotle to Alexander
Part II. Texts and Translations: 5. Sopater, Letter to Himerius
6. Themistius, Letter to Julian
7. Julian, Letter to Themistius
8. Letter of Aristotle to Alexander.

Subject Areas: Islamic studies [JFSR2], History of ideas [JFCX], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]