The article puts forth a comparison between the Gratiarum Actio Iuliano Imperatori by Claudius Mamertinus (Paneg. 3 [11]), delivered in Constantinople on 1 January 362 AD, and the Προσφωνητικὸς Ἰουλιανῷ by Libanius (or. 13), a speech delivered probably a few days after Julian’s arrival in Antioch (July 362). The two texts, which are situated in close chronological proximity, serve as a case study of Julian’s ideology during the initial months of his reign, exhibiting notable similarities on a number of pivotal points: a balanced and measured treatment of the necessity to reaffirm Julian’s dynastic continuity; a composed yet apologetic account of Julian’s military achievements in Gaul and his march along the Danube; a celebration of Julian’s municipal policy and the importance of his uirtutes as the foundation of his reforms; and the revival of rhetoric and philosophy, with its religious implications, in the new course initiated by Julian.
Giuliano nella Gratiarum actio di Claudio Mamertino e nel Προσφωνητικὸς Ἰουλιανῷ (or. 13) di Libanio: spunti per un confronto
Giuseppe Nardiello
2026
Abstract
The article puts forth a comparison between the Gratiarum Actio Iuliano Imperatori by Claudius Mamertinus (Paneg. 3 [11]), delivered in Constantinople on 1 January 362 AD, and the Προσφωνητικὸς Ἰουλιανῷ by Libanius (or. 13), a speech delivered probably a few days after Julian’s arrival in Antioch (July 362). The two texts, which are situated in close chronological proximity, serve as a case study of Julian’s ideology during the initial months of his reign, exhibiting notable similarities on a number of pivotal points: a balanced and measured treatment of the necessity to reaffirm Julian’s dynastic continuity; a composed yet apologetic account of Julian’s military achievements in Gaul and his march along the Danube; a celebration of Julian’s municipal policy and the importance of his uirtutes as the foundation of his reforms; and the revival of rhetoric and philosophy, with its religious implications, in the new course initiated by Julian.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
