The Constantinian origin of Justina (Themistius, Or.3.43b)
Loading...
Files
Published Version
Date
2004-05
Authors
Woods, David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Published Version
Abstract
Themistius says that Constantius saved Rome by defeating Magnentius and his ‘bastard and spurious successors’ who are recognizable as his future children. This description is in contrast to the ‘legitimate and unsullied blood line’ represented by Constantius. This concedes that Magnentius’ children would have been related by blood to Constantius. Since Magnentius was of ‘barbarian’ origin, this could only have happened through his wife at the time of his death, Justina, who has long been recognized as probably of Constantinian descent. Themistius’ passage constitutes the only ancient statement of Justina’s membership of the Constantinian dynasty, and confirms now what had been deduced from circumstantial evidence alone previously.
Description
Keywords
Themistius , Constantine I , Constantian dynasty , Constantius II , Magnentius , Roman history
Citation
Woods, D., 2004. The Constantinian origin of Justina (Themistius, Or.3.43b). Classical Quarterly, 54(1), pp. 325-327.
Collections
Copyright
© 2004 The Classical Association