Symmachus

Symmachus was a prominent Roman politician and orator who lived in the late 4th century CE. He was born into a wealthy and influential senatorial family, and his career saw him rise through the ranks of Roman public life. Symmachus served as urban prefect of Rome, a high-ranking administrative position, and held other important offices. He was renowned for his eloquence and his mastery of Latin rhetoric, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest orators of his time.

His most famous act was his plea to the Roman emperor Gratian in 384 CE to restore the Altar of Victory to the Roman Senate House. This altar, with its statue of the goddess Victory, had been a symbol of Roman paganism. Emperor Gratian, a Christian, had removed it, a move that deeply concerned the pagan senators. Symmachus presented a formal petition, known as a "Relatio," arguing for the toleration of traditional Roman religious practices. He emphasized the historical significance of the altar and the importance of religious diversity in maintaining the stability of the empire.

Despite Symmachus's eloquent defense of pagan traditions, his petition was ultimately rejected by the emperor, aided by the counter-arguments of the Christian bishop Ambrose of Milan. This event marked a significant moment in the decline of paganism in the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity as the dominant religion. Symmachus continued to play a role in Roman politics and is remembered today through his surviving letters and speeches, which provide valuable insights into the social and political life of the late Roman world.