For a discussion of the climate of suspicion these illnesses caused see LENSKI, 2002, p. In reality, Praetextatus’ intervention probably consisted of nothing more than a short letter to the emperor warning of the law’s unintended consequences, Praetextatus explained that, as written, the law in question would “ make life unbearable for Hellenes.” In the face of Praetextatus’ brave and outspoken defense of paganism, Zosimus concluded, Valentinian abandoned the law and allowed traditional religious practices to continue without restriction (5). ![]() In his account, Vettius Agorius Praetextatus, a “ man distinguished by every virtue”, used his prerogative as proconsul of Achaea to speak to the emperor directly about the law’s implications for devotees of traditional religion. But this is not the story that the pagan historian Zosimus wanted to tell when he wrote about this law in the early sixth century (4). The emperors were simply reinforcing a longstanding ban on magical practices and other secret rituals designed to cause harm to other people (3). In response, they jointly issued a law prohibiting nocturnal religious rituals throughout the empire (2). They immediately suspected either poisoning or, more insidiously, some magical activities. ![]() ![]() While they were in the eastern capital, both emperors fell ill (1). In the summer of 364, the newly crowned imperial brothers Valentinian and Valens met in Constantinople to figure out how to share the empire.
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