Neoplatonic Religio-Philosophical Epistemology in Ammianus Marcellinus' Portrayal of the Emperor Julian

In recent years, approaches to religion and philosophy have led to a reassessment of the relationship between these two concepts in the ancient Mediterranean world. This article explores Neoplatonic thought in Ammianus Marcellinus’ Res Gestae as a unified religio-philosophical epistemology that informs the author’s understanding of how the course of history is shaped by the important players within it. The discussion focuses on Ammianus’ portrayal of the emperor Julian according to the principles of this Neoplatonic religio-philosophical epistemology. Ammianus’ portrayal of Julian is framed in terms of the four cardinal virtues of the Platonic tradition as a clear link to Ammianus’ philosophical position. This portrayal is made under overarching themes of Fate and divine Providence that run throughout his narrative, as an indication of Ammianus’ religiosity. Both aspects are intrinsically linked to one another, which this paper demonstrates through reference to the protreptic letters of Iamblichus and Sopater. These letters discuss Neoplatonic teachings on matters such as ethics, political philosophy, and the metaphysical order of the universe. Through this analysis, it becomes apparent that Ammianus was familiar with the Neoplatonic intellectual trends of the fourth century CE, and used this tradition as religio philosophical epistemology to understand and explain how and why the historical events that he records unfolded as they did.