Tyranny and Blood

Abstract

This chapter examines three moments of political crisis during the period 337‒54. First, the chapter defends the notion that the so-called ‘great massacre’ of 337was orchestrated by, or with the connivance of, Constantius. It then considers the wars between the sons of Constantine in the 330s and 340s. It contrasts the bitter antipathy between Constantius and Constans with the rhetoric of fraternal harmony in Libanius’ Oratio LIX. Finally, the chapter examines the death of Constans, the usurpations of Magnentius and Vetranio, and Constantius’ war in the West from 350‒3. The chapter explores how Julian’s Orationes I and II and Themistius’ Orationes II, III, and IV produced a coherent caricature of Magnentius, and also how they can be used to demonstrate that Vetranio’s usurpation in Illyricum was in defence of Constantius, and that Vetranio willingly laid down power in 350. The chapter also contains some remarks on the usurpation of Silvanus.