Libanius (314-c. 393)

Greek rhetorician, born in Antioch into a wealthy pagan family. Having studied in Athens, he taught in Constantinople, Nicomedia, and Antioch. Though a keen supporter of Julian the Apostate, he remained on friendly terms with his former pupils John Chrysostom, Basil, and Gregory of Nazianzus. His writings, in spite of their defects, are a valuable source for the political and cultural history of his age. His collected works include 1600 letters and numerous rhetorical exercises.