Zosimus, Praetextatus, and Valentinian I. The Quellenforschung Note on Zosimus, Historia nova, IV,3,3, and the Possible Purpose of the Annales of Nicomachus Flavianus
2011
Abstract
The paper deals with the origin of an episode recorded by Zosimus, in which the Emperor Valentinian I, following an intervention by Vettius Agorius Praetextatus, revoked his own constitution abolishing nocturnal sacrifices. The authorship of the episode is generally ascribed to Eunapius of Sardis, in the paper, however, the possibility is examined of the authorship of Nicomachus Flavianus through his unpreserved annales.
The author finds this possibility acceptable, and hence he is further elaborating on the eventual consequences for our knowledge of these annales.