Pagan Supporter. Libanius (314–393 AD) was one of the last great public servants and teachers of Greek paganism. His story, as presented in his Autobiography and his life by Eunapius, is supplemented by information from a correspondence of over 1500 issues and sixty-four existing speeches. Born in Antioch, he began his teaching career in Constantinople in 340, but soon was forced to withdraw to Nicomedia, where he met St. Basil and was influenced in the development of Julian's paganism. After a second tenure in Constantinople, he returned to his homeland to become a professor in Antioch in 354, a position which he held, through many adventures, until the end of his life. As a sophist of Antioch and a dedicated supporter of the traditional Greek educational system, Libanius remained deliberately and contemptuously uninvolved with Latin and denounced their growing influence. Humanist in his worldview and compassionate towards the local urban class, he was harshly criticized for the raids and oppressions of the central administration, as well as for the general cruelty of his time. As a sincere pagan in an increasingly aggressive Christian society, he became an influential voice against religious persecution, official or unofficial. The speeches on Julian, to whose memory he remained devoted throughout his life, were composed between 362 and 365, and present Libanius in a pleasing subject, revealing him at the height of his powers and influence. Also available in the Loeb Classical Library is a two-volume edition of the Autobiography of Libanius and Selected Letters.