Themistius and Valens

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.

'Among those volumes known to the reviewer of the Translated Texts for Historians series this one is without a doubt amongst the best.' Raphael Brendel, Zeitschrift für Geschichtswissenschaft Translated from German, 'Unter den dem Rezensenten bekannten nicht wenigen verdienstvollen Bänden der Reihe „Translated Texts for Historians“ gehört dieser ohne Zweifel zu den besten.', 'Swain fulfilled the aim expressed in the introduction, making the volume an indispensable work for all those interested in “the political history of the key transitional period of the 360s and 370s.' Simone Mehr, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 'This is a fantastic book that offers the reader an easy and yet detailed and erudite overview of the subtle chains of policy, obligation, and ambition that bound Themistius to Valens and Valens to Themistius... For anyone with an interest in Themistius, in Valens, or in the East Roman Empire in the mid fourth century, it is a must read.' Adrastos Omissi, Plekos

Simon Swain is Professor of Classics, University of Warwick. His books include A Literary History of Medicine - The ʿUyūn al-anbāʾ fī ṭabaqāt al-aṭibbāʾ of Ibn Abī Uṣaybiʿah (Brill, 2020); Themistius, Julian, and Greek Political Theory under Rome: Texts, Translations and Studies of Four Key Words (CUP, 2013); Economy, Family, and Society from Rome to Islam. A Critical Edition, English Translation, and Study of Bryson’s “Management of the Estate” (CUP, 2013).