"Maximus of Ephesus-Neoplatonist Philosopher" Zoom Talk-Dr Rietveld-April27

Ipso Facto is a gothic-occult lifestyle clothing store which offers history/mythology lectures, magick and crafting workshops, tarot readings and more. Established 1989.

IPSO FACTO

Join us for a Zoom Talk by Dr. James Rietveld "Maximus of Ephesus Neoplatonist Philosopher/Theurgic Magician" April 27, 8 p.m.

Join us for a Zoom Talk by Dr. James Rietveld "Maximus of Ephesus Neoplatonist Philosopher &amp; Theurgic Magician" April 27, 8 p.m.Pay What You Wish: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/589008850327Maximus Of Ephesus was a Neoplatonist philosopher and theurgic magician whose most spectacular achievement was the animation of a statue of Hecate.Through his magic he gained a powerful influence over the mind of the future Roman emperor Julian, and was invited to join the court in Constantinople when Julian succeeded to the throne in 361. Later imprisoned by the emperor Valens after Julian’s death, Maximus was released but finally executed for complicity in an assassination plot against Valens.The most detailed source for the life of Maximus is Eunapius in his Lives of the Sophists, and he is also referenced by Ammianus Marcellinus, emperor Julian, Libanius and Christian writers, albeit in negative terms.At that time, many Neoplatonists practiced theurgy (attempting to commune with God by special ritual actions), and testimony describes Maximus successfully breaking a love-spell cast on the philosopher Sosipatra by a relative.Maximus taught Julian philosophy in Ephesus, until he became emperor, and they kept in touch with Maximus becoming a trusted, influential advisor and discussion partner. Upon Julian's death from combat wounds, Maximus' influence continued with Emperor Jovian, but upon his death, Maximus found himself besieged by enemies, imprisoned and tortured for so-called "illegitimate enrichment." Eventually freed by the proconsul of Asia Clearchus, a supporter of the old religion, Maximus began teaching philosophy once again, returning to Constantinople. In 370 Emperor Valens was informed that an oracle predicted that he would "die a strange death," allowing a new emperor whose name began with "Theod" to rise to power. Valens ordered a massacre and persecution, which ensnared Maximus in false accusations that led to his execution in 372. The oracle proved true when Theodosius I became the next Roman Emperor.Dr. James Rietveld is a professor at CSU, Fullerton &amp; Cal Poly Pomona, CA of History, Anthropology, Religion with a PHD from Claremont School of Religion, is author of 2 books &amp; can be seen on History channel's "Crazy Rich Ancients."

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

"Maximus of Ephesus-Neoplatonist Philosopher" Zoom Talk-Dr Rietveld-April27

More events from IPSO FACTO

Follow organizers to get events picked for you

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all online events to browse and filter by date, category, and more.

"Maximus of Ephesus-Neoplatonist Philosopher" Zoom Talk-Dr Rietveld-April27

More events from IPSO FACTO

Follow organizers to get events picked for you

You might also like...

Sign-In for personalized recommendations

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all online events to browse and filter by date, category, and more.