MAXIMUS OF

See also:

• SMYRNA (Ismir)

SMYRNA  , a Greek philosopher of the Neoplatonist school, who lived towards the end of the 4th century A.D . He was perhaps the most important of the followers of Iamblichus . He is said to have been of a rich and noble family, and exercised great influence over the emperor Julian, who was commended to him by Aedesius . He pandered to the emperor's love of magic and theurgy, and by judicious administration of the omens won a high position at court . His overbearing manner made him numerous enemies, and, after being imprisoned on the death of Julian, he was put to death by Valens . He is a representative of the least attractive side of Neoplatonism . Attaching no value to logical proof and argument, he enlarged on the wonders and mysteries of nature, and maintained his position by the working of miracles . In logic he is reported to have agreed with Eusebius, Iamblichus and Porphyry in asserting the validity of the second and third figures of the syllogism .