The series consists of a variety of monographs from the fields of Classical Philology and Ancient History. While maintaining a broad thematic and methodological scope, the editors are especially keen on studies showing a thorough and critical engagement with the relevant literary texts and primary sources.
In Late Antiquity, and above all in the fourth century, far-reaching changes took place in the political, social and religious environments. The pagan authors of the Roman East (the Emperor Julian, Libanius, Eunapius, Themistius) experienced this process as a threatening crisis, and reacted with the pen. This study considers important contemporary themes such as the construction of identity, ideal rule or the correct interpretation of current reality, so providing the first exposition of the specific character of these writings.
Jan Stenger, Freie Universität Berlin.
"In sum, Stenger's book can motivate a critical re-reading of its sources through the new lens of its ambitious approach. It is a thought-provoking contribution that certainly merits careful study and no doubt will incite further critical consideration and discussion."
Fabian Sieber in: BMCR 2010.10.16
