Themistius was a philosopher, rhetorician, and statesman of the 4th century CE. He was born around 317 CE in Paphlagonia and died around 388 CE. His career was centred in Constantinople, where he served as a senator and political advisor under a series of Roman emperors, including Constantius II, Julian, and Theodosius I. Although a pagan, Themistius maintained his position in a Christian imperial court by promoting religious tolerance and arguing that classical philosophy supported good governance. He was appointed as a royal tutor and was known by the epithet "Euphrades," meaning "eloquent."
His surviving works include two main types. First are his orations: 34 ceremonial speeches delivered at court that blend praise of the emperor with philosophical ideas. Second are his paraphrases of Aristotle's works, which were not strict commentaries but clear explanatory summaries designed for students. These paraphrases became very influential.
Themistius helped transmit and simplify Aristotelian philosophy during an era when Neoplatonic thought was more dominant, making it accessible for later Byzantine and Arabic traditions. His speeches also document the political culture and ideals of leadership in the late Roman Empire. He is often interpreted as embodying the ideal of a "philosopher in the city," actively using philosophy to engage with public life and imperial rule.
Available Works
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