Flaviano, Virio Nicomachus

FLAVIANO, VIRIO NICOMACHUS. - Pagan writer of the 4th century, born in 334 into a wealthy family of Apulian origin. A politician, man of letters, historian, and connoisseur of religious sciences, especially of divination. He is above all famous for having been the principal supporter of paganism in the supreme struggle it waged for its existence toward the end of the 4th century.

He translated into Latin the Life of Apollonius of Tyana by Philostratus. Set aside by Gratian for having, in 376, as vicar of Africa, favored the Donatists, he returned to favor, thanks to his historical-literary fame, under Theodosius, by whom he was appointed "Praefectus praetoria Italiae Illyrici et Africae" in 383 and in 390-91 and designated consul for 393. Nevertheless, he followed the usurper Eugenius, from whom he obtained the restoration of the properties already taken from the temples. In 393-94 he restored the pagan cult at Rome, performed solemn idolatrous ceremonies, and drove many Christians to apostasy. Marching against Theodosius, he promised Eugenius victory and threatened the destruction of Christianity. He took part in the battle on the Frigidus (Sept. 394), but, seeing victory vanish, he killed himself.

Vincenzo Monachino