Synesius

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

Bishop of Ptolemais in the Libyan Pentapolis, acted also the various parts of soldier, diplomatist, orator, philosopher and poet; born in Cyrene about A. D. 375. The contemporary of Augustine, he took pride in tracing his descent from the Heraclidæ, the royal family of Sparta, who first colonized the Pentapolis, and inherited wealth and estates in the interior. He studied at Alexandria under Hypatia, whose influence over him proved a dominant and lifelong one. He also studied in Athens, and returned to the Pentapolis, resolved to spend his life in study and in the pursuits of a country gentleman. About 399 he was appointed by his fellow citizens a delegate from Cyrene to bring certain grievances before the Emperor Arcadius at Constantinople. He remained in that city for three years. In his speech "On Kingship" Synesius warns Arcadius sternly of the perilous nature of the times and points out the duties of a good king. During his stay place, Arcadius was driven out by the Scythian general Gainas, and Aurelian, leader of the national party, banished. While waiting for an audience Synesius wrote a curious book entitled "Concerning Providence." In the form of an allegory he describes the contest between Aurelian and Gainas, under the veil of a conflict between Osiris and Typhon, who personify Good and Evil; and deals with the question why God permits evil and delays so long to interfere. In a few weeks Gainas fell, Synesius attained the end of his mission, and sailed for home. The next eight years were a time of peace and happiness for Synesius; "books and the chase," he writes, "make up my life." About 403 he married a wife belonging to Alexandria. During these years he wrote his treatise "Concerning Dreams," a half-burlesque essay, "The Praise of Baldness" (he was bald himself), his "Dion, or on Selfdiscipline," the second part of his book on "Providence," several "Hymns," and a great many letters. This peaceful period was interrupted by war. The Libyan nomads made raids on the fertile Pentapolis; there were no soldiers at Cyrene, but Synesius raised a troop of volunteers. The helpless governor Cerealius filed; Cyrene was besieged and Synesius had to organize and direct the defense of the city. In 411 the people of Ptolemais, fearing the appointment of a corrupt governor, fixed on Synesius as their bishop. Synesius was most unwilling; but at last he yielded and was consecrated at Alexandria in 410. On his return to Ptolemais, finding the new governor Andronicus playing the tyrant he boldly excommunicated him, and secured his recall. The Ausurians invaded the country, and Synesius had again again to spend his nights on the ramparts and direct the defense. His only surviving child died. Synesius was broken with troubles, and both his philosophy and his religion appeared to fail him in his need. The city was relieved, but he fell ill and about 413 he died. His last letter was written to Hypatia who retained all his old affection and reverence.