Philostorgius

Quick Facts: Who was Philostorgius?

Subject:

Philostorgius

Known for:

Byzantine Church historian known for his account of the Arian controversy.

Born:

368

Died:

450

Century / Era:

368s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Philostorgius (Ancient Greek: Φιλοστόργιος; 368 – c. 439 AD) was an Anomoean Church historian of the 4th and 5th centuries. Very little information about his life is available. He was born in Borissus, Cappadocia to Eulampia and Carterius, and lived in Constantinople from the age of twenty. He is said to have come from an Arian family, and in Constantinople soon attached himself to Eunomius of Cyzicus, who received much praise from Philostorgius in his work. He wrote a history of the Arian controversy titled Church History (Ἐκκλησιαστικὴ ἱστορία, Ekklēsiastikē Historia).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Philostorgius' original appeared between 425 and 433, in other words, slightly earlier than the History of Socrates of Constantinople, and was formed in twelve volumes bound in two books. The original is now lost. However, the ninth-century historian Photius found a copy in his library in Constantinople, and wrote an epitome of it. Others also borrowed from Philostorgius, most notably the author of the Artemii Passio (Artemius being a legendary martyr under Julian the Apostate), and so, despite the eventual disappearance of the original text, it is possible to form some idea of what it contained by reviewing the epitome and other references. This reconstruction of what might have been in the text was first published, in German, by the Belgian philologist Joseph Bidez in 1913; a third, revised edition of his work undertaken by Friedhelm Winkelmann was published in 1981; this edition has recently been translated into English by Philip R. Amidon.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He also wrote a treatise against Porphyry, which is completely lost. Philostorgius' account of the emperor Constantine I's death is not corroborated by any other extant source. He reports that Constantine was poisoned by his family members and subsequently avenged by his son Constantius II, who is portrayed sympathetically by Philostorgius. Other historians say that Constantius instigated of the murders of his male relatives following Constantine's death, but only in Philostorgius' version are the murders justified. Philostorgius' tale must be false, since Constantius' "official version" denied any involvement in the murders, calling his relatives the innocent victims of an army mutiny.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 368: Birth of Philostorgius — Byzantine Church historian known for his account of the Arian controversy.
2. 450: Passing & Historical Legacy — Philostorgius passed away on 450, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
3. 1913: 1913 Milestone — This reconstruction of what might have been in the text was first published, in German, by the Belgian philologist Joseph Bidez in 1913; a third, revised edition of his work undertaken by Friedhelm Winkelmann was published in 1981; this edition has recently been translated into English by Philip R.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Philostorgius

True or False: “Philostorgius' detailed account of Emperor Constantine I's death being poisoned by family members is corroborated by other surviving historical sources.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Other historians contradict Philostorgius' version, noting that Constantius II's 'official version' denied any involvement in the alleged murders.

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• 368 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 368
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Frequently Asked Questions about Philostorgius