Neoplatonic Philosophy in Tetrarchic and Constantinian Panegyric

In this chapter, panegyrical oratory as attested in the panegyrici latini XII (with special reference to XII[9] and IV[10]), is placed in the intellectual atmosphere of the early fourth century, especially within the context of Neoplatonism. The period was characterized by a long literary tradition to look back upon (Greek as well as Latin), a thriving study and re-interpretations of Plato, a host of religious worldviews, and budding Christianity. In this chapter, it is investigated in how far the orators of the Gaulish panegyrical tradition stood in contact with Neoplatonic thought, and how this most influential philosophical current can be read in the oratorical texts. Many contingencies appear to be detected between the two spheres, such as exemplarized by the position of the monarchic ruler, theological excurses and imperial virtues.