Nobilis, philosopher, bishop. Synesius of Cyrene and the integration of provincial aristocracy in the Late Antique Church

Abstract

Synesius philosophical education left an imprint on his actions at the civic area, even after his consecration as bishop. His conversion to Christianity can only be understood as an official act and non-personal, because ideologically he remained faithful to Neoplatonic beliefs. The access to the episcopate meant for Sinesio a way to continue exercising the old families of provincial notables civic prerogatives, in a changing world in which Christianity was already the State religion.

Keywords

• sinesio de cirene
• aristocracia tardoantigua
• provinciales
• cristianismo.