Quintus Aurelius Symmachus
Who was Quintus Aurelius Symmachus?
Consul of the Roman Empire 391, orator (340-402)
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Quintus Aurelius Symmachus (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Quintus Aurelius Symmachus, also known as Eusebius (c. 345-402), was a key figure in the late Roman Empire, known for his roles as a statesman, orator, and intellectual during a time when Rome was shifting from traditional pagan practices to Christianity. Coming from a wealthy senatorial family in Rome, Symmachus had an outstanding education that set him up for a successful career in public service for more than thirty years. His skill in speaking and managing earned him higher positions within the imperial administration.
Symmachus's career started to advance in the 370s when he became the governor of proconsular Africa in 373, showing his strength in managing provinces. His most notable and debated post was as urban prefect of Rome from 384 to 385, during which he advocated for maintaining traditional Roman religious practices as Christianity's influence grew. This brought him into conflict with Christian leaders, particularly in his well-known argument with Ambrose, bishop of Milan, about whether to restore the Altar of Victory to the Roman Senate house.
Symmachus's career hit a pivotal point when he led a senatorial protest against Emperor Gratian's decision to remove the Altar of Victory from the Roman Senate. After this effort failed, he wrote his famous third Relatio to Emperor Valentinian II in 384, making a strong case for religious tolerance and reinstating state support for traditional religious practices. Although this document is seen as a great piece of late Roman prose, Ambrose refuted it in letters that ultimately dashed hopes for government backing of paganism.
Symmachus experienced a downturn when he backed the usurper Magnus Maximus against Theodosius I. After Maximus was defeated and killed in 388, Symmachus faced exile and shame. However, he was quickly rehabilitated, and by 391 he became a consul, the highest rank in the Roman cursus honorum. In his later years, he allied with Stilicho, the influential regent for young Emperor Honorius, and played a part in restoring some legislative powers to the Senate. Symmachus passed away in 402, leaving behind a wealth of writings, including nine books of letters, official dispatches, and fragments of speeches that offer valuable insights into the culture of the late Roman aristocracy.
Before Fame
Symmachus was born around 345 into the Symmachi, one of Rome's most respected senatorial families, with significant wealth from large landholdings across the empire. His father, Lucius Aurelius Avianius Symmachus, held roles as urban prefect and consul, giving young Quintus both political connections and a role model for public service. The family emphasized traditional Roman education, ensuring Symmachus received comprehensive training in rhetoric, literature, and law from top tutors.
The mid-4th century Roman Empire brought both opportunities and challenges for ambitious young aristocrats like Symmachus. While the traditional path of public service was still available, politics was increasingly dominated by Christian emperors and officials who were wary of pagan intellectuals. Despite these religious tensions, Symmachus's exceptional speaking skills and administrative abilities helped him navigate the complex imperial bureaucracy and secure key provincial positions that would start his successful career.
Key Achievements
- Served as governor of proconsular Africa in 373, demonstrating effective provincial administration
- Held the office of urban prefect of Rome from 384-385, overseeing the capital's civil administration
- Led the senatorial opposition to the removal of the Altar of Victory, becoming the primary spokesman for traditional Roman religion
- Achieved the consulship in 391, the highest political honor in the Roman Empire
- Produced extensive literary works including nine books of letters and official dispatches that survive as key sources for late Roman history
Did You Know?
- 01.Symmachus owned vast estates across the Roman Empire and employed hundreds of slaves, making him one of the wealthiest individuals of his era
- 02.His famous plea to restore the Altar of Victory argued that 'we cannot attain to so great a mystery by one path alone,' advocating for religious pluralism
- 03.He organized extravagant gladiatorial games during his praetorship that reportedly cost him enormous sums and included exotic animals from Africa
- 04.Symmachus maintained correspondence with prominent intellectuals across the empire, including the historian Ammianus Marcellinus and the poet Ausonius
- 05.His letters reveal that he owned a private scriptorium where scribes copied classical manuscripts, helping preserve ancient Roman literature