The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Synesius of Cyrene
Also known as Bishop Synesius, Synesius
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 88
A philosophic bishop who maintains his love of profane studies even while serving the church, his Greek heritage and intellectual curiosity mark him as a bridge between classical learning and Christian faith.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 88
- Books
- 1
Synesius of Cyrene began as a Greek philosopher and descendant of Hercules who reluctantly accepted the bishopric of Ptolemais. He maintained his liberal opinions concerning the duties of kings and his love of classical learning throughout his ecclesiastical career. As a friend and disciple of Hypatia, he represents the synthesis of pagan philosophy and Christian faith in the late antique world.
Description
Synesius bears the refined features of his Greek heritage, his appearance reflecting both his philosophic background and his position as a bishop. His clothing would combine elements of classical dress with the simpler robes appropriate to his ecclesiastical office, suggesting a man caught between two worlds of learning and faith.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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