FLAVIANO, VIRIO NICOMACO. - Pagan writer of the 4th century, born in 334 into a wealthy family of Apulian origin. A statesman, man of letters, historian, and connoisseur of the religious sciences, especially divination. He is chiefly celebrated for having been the principal supporter of paganism in the final struggle undertaken by it for its survival toward the end of the 4th century.
He translated into Latin Philostratus’s Vita di Apollonio di Tiana. Set aside by Graziano for having, in 376, as vicar of Africa, favored the Donatists, he returned to favor, thanks to his historical and literary reputation, under Teodosio, who appointed him «Praefectus praetoria Italiae Illyrici et Africae» in 383 and in 390–91 and designated him consul for 393. Nevertheless, he followed the usurper Eugenio, from whom he obtained the restoration of property previously removed from the temples. In 393–94 he restored pagan worship at Rome, performed solemn idolatrous ceremonies, and induced many Christians to apostatize. Setting out against Teodosio, he promised Eugenio victory and threatened the destruction of Christianity. He took part in the battle on the Algida (Sept. 384), but, seeing victory vanish, killed himself.
christ., 1ª serie, 6 (1868), pp. 40-75 and T. Mommsen, Carmen Cod. Parisiensis 2nd.; in Hermet, 4 (1870), p. 350 ff.; G. Boissier, La fin du pogonisme, II, Parigi 1891, p. 307 ff.; O. Sack, Gesch. des Untergangs der antillen Welt, V, Berlino 1920; R. Paribeni, Do Dioelezione alla caduta dell'Impero in Occidente, Bologna 1941, pp. 174 ff., 205 ff. Vincenzo Monachino