But he
It is clear that Photius and Evagrius had not more does not seem fairly chargeable with deliberate in-
of the work than we have.
It is clear that Photius and Evagrius had not more does not seem fairly chargeable with deliberate in-
of the work than we have.
William Smith - 1844 - Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities - c
v.
Zwp.
) These writings however must
calls Zoroaster a king of Bactria (Ctesias, pp. 79, not be regarded as translations from the Zenda-
91, ed. Lion, copied by Justin, i. 1); and the same vesta, to which they bore no resemblance, as is
statement occurs in Moses of Chorene (i. 6). The evident from the extracts preserved from them by
tradition which represents Zoroaster of Median Clemens Alexandrinus, Eusebius, and others.
origin sprang up at a later time, when the chief seat (Clem. Alex. Strom. v. 14, p. 710; Euseb. Praep.
of his religion was in Media, and no longer in the | Ev. i. 10; Dion Chrysost. Or. 36. ) They were,
further East. We may therefore conclude that the on the contrary, forgeries of a later age, and belong
religion of Zoroaster first appeared in Bactria, and to the same class of writings as the works of
from thence spread eastward; but further than Hermes Trismegistus, Orpheus, &c. There is still
this we cannot venture to go. As the founder of extant a collection of oracles ascribed to Zoroaster,
the Magian religion he must be placed in remote which were published for the first time with the
antiquity, and it may even be questioned whether commentaries of Gemistus Pletho [Genistus),
such a person ever existed. Niebuhr regards him under the title of Mayırà régla tv ånd TOU
as a purely mythical personage (Kleine Schriften, vol. Zwpokot pou Máywv, by Tiletanus, Paris, 1538,
i. p. 200); but it is worthy of remark that we find 4to. They have also been edited by Patricius in
no trace in the Zendavesta of the various wonders his Nora de Universis Philosophia, &c. , Ferra-
and miracles which are connected with his name in riae, 1591, and Venet. 1593, foll. ; by Morell,
the Persian and Greek and Roman writers. It is Paris, 1595, 4to. , and also in Latin; by Obsopaeus,
unnecessary to repeat these stories, but we may Paris, 1507, 8vo. , and by others. It would be
mention as a specimen two tales related by Pliny. ridiculous in the present day to enter into any
It is said that he laughed on the day of his birth, argument to prove the spuriousness of these oracles.
and that his brain palpitated so violently as to Every thing known respecting the reputed works
heave up the hand that was placed upon his head ; of Zoroaster is collected by Fabricius (Bibl. Graec.
and that he lived in the desert for twenty years on vol. i. p. 304, foll. ).
cheese, in consequence of which he was preserved An account of the religious system of Zoroaster
from feeling old age. (Plin. H. N. vii. 16. s. 15, does not fall within the scope of the present work ;
xi. 42. 6. 97. ) It would be idle to attempt to but the reader will find abundant information on
make even an approximation to the date of Zoro- the subject in the works quoted below. Mr. Mil-
aster from the statements of the Greek and Roman man has given an excellent summary of the leading
writers; for the most learned among them could tenets of the Zoroastrian system. (Hyde, Veterum
not come to any agreement as to the time at which Persarum et Magorum Religionis Historia, Oxford,
he lived, and many supposed that there were seve- | 1700 and 1760; Prideaux, Connection of the His-
ral persons of this name, who lived at widely diftory of the Old and New Testament, Part i. vol. i.
ferent times and in very different countries. Thus p. 299, foll. ; Anquetil du Perron, Zendavesta ;
we find him called not only a Bactrian, but a Me Kleuker, Zendavesta ; Rhode, Die Heilige Sage des
dian (Clem. Alex. Strom. i. p. 399), a Chaldaean Zendrolks ; Heeren, Historical Researches, &c.
(Porphyr. Vit
. Pythag. 12), a Persomedian (Suidas, Asiatic Nations, rol. i. p. 367, foll. ; Gibbon, De
8. v. Zwpokotons), a Persian (Ding. Laërt. Praef. ), cline and Fall, vol. i. c. 8; Milman, History of
an Armenian (Arnob. i. 12), a Pamphylian (Aruob. Christianity, vol. i. p. 65, foll. ; Georgii, in Reul-
1. c. ), and even a native of Proconnesus. (Plin. Encyclopädie des classichen Alterthumswissenschuft,
H. N. xxx. 1, s. 2. ) Many of these various state- 8. 1. Mlugi; Lassen, Indische Alterthumskunde,
ments probably arose from the circumstance that vol. i. p. 75? , foll. )
the Magian religion was introduced into these ZORZINES, king of the Siraci, a people in the
countries and places ; and it is only in this way neighbourhood of the Caucasus, in the reign of the
that we can explain the strange account in Pliny emperor Claudius. (Tac. Ann. xii. 15, 17, 19. )
that he was a native of Proconnesus. We find ZO'SIMUS (Zúrijos). 1. A learned freedman
07
JS
TA
K Z
01-43
ܘܠܐܐ ܨܶ ܐ ܬܶ
می دم
4 Q3
La the Lund
435,78 E 67
de was the
kX20J of
## p. 1334 (#1350) ##########################################
1334
ZOSIMUS.
ZOSIMUS.
of the younger Pliny, remarkable for his talents as / altogether) an abridgment or compilation of the
a comediau and musician, as well as for his ex- works of previous historians. As far as the 41st
cellence as a reader. (Plin. Epist. v. 19. ). chapter of the first book he follows Herennius
2. Prefect of Epeirus under Valentinian and Dexippus. From that point to the 17th chapter or
Valens. He is mentioned in connection with some the fifth book Eunapius is his guide, though he
laws promulgated in a. D. 373. (Cod. Theodos. nowhere makes mention of him. Photius remarks
6. tit. 31, 12. tit. 10. )
in general terms of the work that it was not s0
3. A Greek historian, who lived in the time of much a history as a compilation from Eunapius.
the younger Theodosins (Evagrius, Hist. Eccl. iii. After Eunapius he follows Olympiodorus, sometimes
41). He is described by Photius (Cod. 98, p. 84, ed. copying from him whole chapters. The style of
Bekker) as kóuns kai SAOPIO KOO Urhyopos (comes Zosimus is fairly described by Photius as concise,
et exadrocatus-fisci). He may possibly have been clear, pure, and not unpleasing. His chief fault as
the son of Zosimus, the prefect of Epeirus, who is an historical writer is that he neglects to notice
mentioned in the Theodosian Code, Zosimus was the chronology.
the author of a history of the Roman empire in six Zosimus was a pagan, and is by no means sparing
books, which is still extant. This work must have of the faults and crimes of the Christian emperors.
been written after the year 425, as an event is | In consequence of this his credibility has been
mentioned in it (v. 27) which took place in that fiercely assailed by several Christian writers, and
year. How long after cannot be determined with has been sometimes defended merely because his
certainty ; but his description of the condition of history tended to the discredit of many leading
the Greek empire at the time he wrote accords persons in the Christian party. Photius thus ex-
with the state of things in the latter part of the presses his opinion: έστι την θρησκείαν ασεβής
fifth century.
Further biographical particulars και πολλάκις εν πολλοίς υλακτών κατά των ευσε
have not come down to us.
6wv (l. c. ). Evagrius (iii. 40, 41) and Nicephorus
As Polybius had narrated the events by which (xvi. 41,
&c. ) also speak in the most unfavourable
the Roman empire had reached its greatness, so terms. The question does not, as has sometimes
Zosimus undertook the task of developing the been supposed, turn upon the credibility of the
events and causes which led to its decline (Zosim. historians whom Zosimus followed, for he did not
i. 57). As the commencement of this decline, he adhere in all cases to their judgment with respect
goes back to the change in the constitution of to events and characters. For instance he entirely
Rome introduced by Augustus. The first book differed from Eunapius in his account of Stilicho
comprises a sketch of the history of the early em- and Serena. Of modern writers, Baronius, Laelius
perors, down to the end of the reign of Diocletian Bisciola, C. v. Barth, J. D. Ritter, R. Bentley,
(A. n. 305). The second, third, and fourth books and St. Croix, have taken the derogatory side.
are devoted to the history of the fourth century, Bentley in particular (Remarks upon a late Discourse
which is treated much less concisely. The fifth of Freethinking, Part. ii. p. 21) speaks of Zosimus
and sixth books embrace the period from A. D. 395 with great contempt. On the other hand, his histo-
to A. D. 410, when Attalus was deposed. Though rical authority has been maintained by Leunclavius,
the decline of the Roman empire was the main G. B. von Schirach, J. Matth. Schröckh, and Reite-
subject which Zosimus selected, it was perhaps his meier. There are no doubt numerous errors of
ambition to imitate Polybius, which led him to judgment to be found in the work, and sometimes
introduce various matters connected with Persian, (especially in the case of Constantine) an intem-
Grecian, and Macedonian history, which are not perate expression of opinion, which somewhat ex-
very intimately connected with his main design. aggerates, if it does not distort the truth.
But he
It is clear that Photius and Evagrius had not more does not seem fairly chargeable with deliberate in-
of the work than we have. Yet it seems likely on vention, or wilful misrepresentation. One passage
some accounts, either that a part of the work has in his history in particular has been fastened upon
been lost or, what is more likely, that Zosimus as evident proof of his untrustworthiness, where
did not live to finish it; for as we now have it, it (ii. 29) he gives his account of the conversion of
does not embrace all that Zosimus himself tells us Constantine, placing it after the murder of his son
he intended to take up (iv. 59. 4, 5, i. 58. $ 9, (A. D. 326), whereas Constantine had declared
iv. 28. & 3). There does not seem much probability himself a Christian much earlier. (Sainte-Croix,
in the conjecture that the monks and other ecclesi- Mém. de l'Académie des Inscr. vol. xlix. p. 466).
astics succeeded in suppressing that portion of the But on the other hand, the common story of the
work in which the evil influences of their body conversion of Constantine does not rest on any
were to be more especially touched upon (v. 23. & 8; authority that is worth much ; and though it is
Harles. ad Fabr. vol. viii. p. 65 ; comp. Voss. de pretty clear that Zosimus has committed an ana-
Hist. Gr. p. 312) If the work was thus left in chronism, it is not so gross as has been sometimes
complete, that circumstance would account for supposed; and there is thus much to be said in
some carelessness of style which is here and there excuse for Zosimus, that it was not till the latter
apparent. There may appear some difficulty at part of his life that Constantine received the rite of
first sight, however, in the statement of Photius, baptism ; and it appears from Sozomen (i. 3) that
that the work, in the form in which he saw it, a story similar to that told by Zosimus was current
appeared to him to be a second edition (véas ékdó- some time previously, so that the latter is not at
Gews). But it would seem that Photius was under any rate responsible for the origination of the tale.
some misapprehension. It is called in the MSS. It is not to be wondered at that one who held to
iotopía vea (in what sense is not quite clear). I the old faith should attribute the downfall of the
This may perhaps have misled Photius. He empire in great part to the religious innovations
himself remarks ihat he had not seen the first attendant upon the spread of Christianity.
edition.
The history of Zosimus was first printed in the
The work of Zosimus is mainly (though not | Latin translation of Leunclavius (Löwenklau), ac-
companied
1576, fol. ).
the transla
Stephanus,
The first cc
simus was
Rom. Min.
published
edited by
and others
is that by
fresh manu
marks of 1
The last ar
There is a
ler, and a
(Schöll,
Fabric. Bi
4. A na
accounts,
emperor A
was the al
(of which
and com
some of w
Demosthe
tions of D
5. AD
grams stil
die. , ed.
6. An
by P. Pos
The edito
about A.
Serera
here, are
vol viii
ZO'SI
man bish
A. D. 417
in the fol
able by
into del
1
any disp
His atte
ations of
pealed to
they ter
the Cart
full inve
their os
the com
in the s
African
his entii
lagius.
these fe
bis sent
Rasenn
satisfied
two frie
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## p. 1335 (#1351) ##########################################
ZOSIMUS
1335
ZOSIMUS.
ZYGIA.
an abridgest e compilation de
Tous bisconans. As far as the s
be first book he foloss Hero
From that point to the 11th caset
ok Eunapias is his guide, though be
ukes mention of him. Photins remain
terms of the work that it was so
story as a compilation from Eena.
-p:28 be foi otrs Olympiodorus, BIDEOS
pon him whole chapters
. The se di
larly described by Photius u cice,
, and not unpleasing. His che tanto
cal writer is that be neglects to Die
ogy
* was a pegan, and is by no means paring
18 and comes of the Constuan eszen
quence of this his credibuty i inn
skailed by several Christmas was, and
sometimes defended merely because is
Rended to the discredit of many into
en the Christian party. Photius ta *
is opinian: έστι την θρησκείας έστεί
λέεις στoλλος υλακτών κατά των εισο.
E) Evagrius (iii
. 40, 41) and Nigebung
,&c. ) also speak in the most záruka
The question does not, as has ke
apposed, turn upon the credibukty of the
uns whom Zosimes followed, for he dites
in all cases to their judgment with me
ots and characters For mstance been
from Eunapius in his account do
erena Of modern writers, Baronia. Les
12. C. v. Barth, J. D. Ritter, R Battery
52 Crois, have taken the derogatartas
py in particular ( Remarks upon a las
vtisning, Part
. ii. p. 21) speaks of Zesta
great contempt. On the other hand, as ist
authority has been maintained by Leita
ron Schirach, J. Matth. SchrochtRot
1. There are no doubt numerous eros de
ment to be found in the work, and Reedte
scially in the case of Constantine) an
te expression of opinion, which seevit e
rates, if it does not distort the truth. But he
| not seem fairly chargeable with deliberate is
tion, or wilful misrepresentation
. One per
is history in particular has been fastened up
erident proof of his untrustworthizes, Dhe
companied by a defence of the historian (Basel, and Simplicius of Vienne, he desired to make sub-
1. 576, fol. ). The first two books, in Greek, with ordinate to the see of Arles, at that time occupied
the translation of Leunclavius, were printed by H. by a certain Patroclus, a priest of very doubtful
Stephanus, in his edition of Herodian (Paris
, 1581). reputation. The bishops of Narbonne and Vienne
The first complete edition of the Greek text of Zo- gave way to a certain extent, or at least did not pe-
sinus was that by F. Sylburg (Scriptores Hist. remptorily refuse obedience, but Proculus, warmly
Rom. Min. vol. iii. ). Later editions are those supported by his clergy and people, bade open de-
published at Oxford (1679), at Zeitz and Jena, fiance to his commands and excommunications.
edited by Cellarius, with annotations of his own Nothing discouraged by this repulsc, Zosimus,
and others (1679, 1713, 1729). The next edition within a very short period of his death, boldly ns-
is that by Reitemeier, who, though he consulted no scrted his absolute jurisdiction over the African
fresh manuscripts, made good use of the critical re- church by reinstating a certain Apiarius, a presbyter
marks of Heyne and other scholars (Leipzig, 1784). of Sicca, who had been regularly deposed for various
The last and best edition is by Bekker, Bonn, 1837. grave offences by his own diocesan, thus exciting a
There is a German translation by Seybold and ley- storm among the fiery Numidians, which must
ler, and also an English and a French translation. have produced a violent convulsion had the author
(Schöll, Gesch. d. Gricch. Lit. vol. iii. p. 232 ; of the decree lived to follow up this stretch of
Fabric. Bill. Gracc. vol. viii. p. 62. )
power by ulterior measures.
4. A native of Ascalon, or, according to cther Fourteen Epistolue et Decrcta of this pope ad-
accounts, of Gaza. He lived in the time of the dressed to various bishops and religious commu-
emperor Anastasius. According to Suidas (s. v. ) he nities, chiefly in regard to the events detailed
was the author of a négis entopen) Katà otoxelor above, have been preserved, together with a few
(of which Suidas himself made considerable use), short fragments of the Tractoria, and of some
and commentaries on Demosthenes and Lysias, other pieces, all of which will be found under their
some of which are still extant in MS. A life of best form in the Epistolac Pontificum Romanorum
Demosthenes by him is prefixed to most of the edi- edited by Coustant, fol. Paris, 1721, vol. i. pp. 934
tions of Demosthenes.
-1006, in the Bibliotheca Patrum of Galland, fol.
5. A native of Thasos, the author of some epi- Venet. 1773, vol. ix. pp. 1-20, and also in the
grams still extant in the Anthology (vol iii. p. 157, Conciliorum amplissima Collectio of Mansi, fol. Flo-
&c. , ed. Jacobs).
rent. 1760, vol. iv. pp. 348–372.
6. An abbot, whose dadoglio uol were edited
(See the Prolegomnena of Mansi and Galland ;
by P. Possinus, in his Thesaurus Asceticus, p. 279. Schönemann, Bibliotheca Patrum Lat. vol. ii. $ 12;
The editor thinks that he flourished in Palestine Bähr, Geschichte der Röm. Litterat. Suppl. Band.
about A. D. 430.
2te Abtheil. § 141. )
[W. R. )
Several others of this name, not worth inserting ZOʻSIMUS, M. CANULEIUS, a gold and
here, are enumerated by Fabricius (Bibl. Graec. silver chaser, whose skill and probity are praised
vol. viii. p. 71, &c. ).
(C. P. M. ] in an extant inscription. (Gruter, p. dcxxxix ;
ZOʻSIMUS. The short pontificate of this Ro- Sillig. Catal. Artif. App. s. v. ) The name is also
man bishop, which lasted from the 18th of March, found on some ancient cameos ; and Raoul-Ro-
A. D. 417, until his death on the 26th of December chette, assuming the identity of the artist, takes
in the following year, was rendered more remark. this as a new proof that the art of engraving on
able by the rash activity with which he plunged metals and on precious stones was often practised
into delicate and irritating controversies than by by the same persons. (Lettre à M. Schorn, p. 158,
any display of sound judgment or high principle. 2d ed. )
[P. S. ]
His attention was first occupied by the represent- ZOSTEÒRIA (Zwotnpla), a surname of Athena
ations of Caelestius and Pelagius, who, having ap- among the Epicnemidian Locrians. (Steph. Byz.
pealed to his predecessor Innocentius against what s. v. Zwotúp; comp. Herod. viii. 107.
calls Zoroaster a king of Bactria (Ctesias, pp. 79, not be regarded as translations from the Zenda-
91, ed. Lion, copied by Justin, i. 1); and the same vesta, to which they bore no resemblance, as is
statement occurs in Moses of Chorene (i. 6). The evident from the extracts preserved from them by
tradition which represents Zoroaster of Median Clemens Alexandrinus, Eusebius, and others.
origin sprang up at a later time, when the chief seat (Clem. Alex. Strom. v. 14, p. 710; Euseb. Praep.
of his religion was in Media, and no longer in the | Ev. i. 10; Dion Chrysost. Or. 36. ) They were,
further East. We may therefore conclude that the on the contrary, forgeries of a later age, and belong
religion of Zoroaster first appeared in Bactria, and to the same class of writings as the works of
from thence spread eastward; but further than Hermes Trismegistus, Orpheus, &c. There is still
this we cannot venture to go. As the founder of extant a collection of oracles ascribed to Zoroaster,
the Magian religion he must be placed in remote which were published for the first time with the
antiquity, and it may even be questioned whether commentaries of Gemistus Pletho [Genistus),
such a person ever existed. Niebuhr regards him under the title of Mayırà régla tv ånd TOU
as a purely mythical personage (Kleine Schriften, vol. Zwpokot pou Máywv, by Tiletanus, Paris, 1538,
i. p. 200); but it is worthy of remark that we find 4to. They have also been edited by Patricius in
no trace in the Zendavesta of the various wonders his Nora de Universis Philosophia, &c. , Ferra-
and miracles which are connected with his name in riae, 1591, and Venet. 1593, foll. ; by Morell,
the Persian and Greek and Roman writers. It is Paris, 1595, 4to. , and also in Latin; by Obsopaeus,
unnecessary to repeat these stories, but we may Paris, 1507, 8vo. , and by others. It would be
mention as a specimen two tales related by Pliny. ridiculous in the present day to enter into any
It is said that he laughed on the day of his birth, argument to prove the spuriousness of these oracles.
and that his brain palpitated so violently as to Every thing known respecting the reputed works
heave up the hand that was placed upon his head ; of Zoroaster is collected by Fabricius (Bibl. Graec.
and that he lived in the desert for twenty years on vol. i. p. 304, foll. ).
cheese, in consequence of which he was preserved An account of the religious system of Zoroaster
from feeling old age. (Plin. H. N. vii. 16. s. 15, does not fall within the scope of the present work ;
xi. 42. 6. 97. ) It would be idle to attempt to but the reader will find abundant information on
make even an approximation to the date of Zoro- the subject in the works quoted below. Mr. Mil-
aster from the statements of the Greek and Roman man has given an excellent summary of the leading
writers; for the most learned among them could tenets of the Zoroastrian system. (Hyde, Veterum
not come to any agreement as to the time at which Persarum et Magorum Religionis Historia, Oxford,
he lived, and many supposed that there were seve- | 1700 and 1760; Prideaux, Connection of the His-
ral persons of this name, who lived at widely diftory of the Old and New Testament, Part i. vol. i.
ferent times and in very different countries. Thus p. 299, foll. ; Anquetil du Perron, Zendavesta ;
we find him called not only a Bactrian, but a Me Kleuker, Zendavesta ; Rhode, Die Heilige Sage des
dian (Clem. Alex. Strom. i. p. 399), a Chaldaean Zendrolks ; Heeren, Historical Researches, &c.
(Porphyr. Vit
. Pythag. 12), a Persomedian (Suidas, Asiatic Nations, rol. i. p. 367, foll. ; Gibbon, De
8. v. Zwpokotons), a Persian (Ding. Laërt. Praef. ), cline and Fall, vol. i. c. 8; Milman, History of
an Armenian (Arnob. i. 12), a Pamphylian (Aruob. Christianity, vol. i. p. 65, foll. ; Georgii, in Reul-
1. c. ), and even a native of Proconnesus. (Plin. Encyclopädie des classichen Alterthumswissenschuft,
H. N. xxx. 1, s. 2. ) Many of these various state- 8. 1. Mlugi; Lassen, Indische Alterthumskunde,
ments probably arose from the circumstance that vol. i. p. 75? , foll. )
the Magian religion was introduced into these ZORZINES, king of the Siraci, a people in the
countries and places ; and it is only in this way neighbourhood of the Caucasus, in the reign of the
that we can explain the strange account in Pliny emperor Claudius. (Tac. Ann. xii. 15, 17, 19. )
that he was a native of Proconnesus. We find ZO'SIMUS (Zúrijos). 1. A learned freedman
07
JS
TA
K Z
01-43
ܘܠܐܐ ܨܶ ܐ ܬܶ
می دم
4 Q3
La the Lund
435,78 E 67
de was the
kX20J of
## p. 1334 (#1350) ##########################################
1334
ZOSIMUS.
ZOSIMUS.
of the younger Pliny, remarkable for his talents as / altogether) an abridgment or compilation of the
a comediau and musician, as well as for his ex- works of previous historians. As far as the 41st
cellence as a reader. (Plin. Epist. v. 19. ). chapter of the first book he follows Herennius
2. Prefect of Epeirus under Valentinian and Dexippus. From that point to the 17th chapter or
Valens. He is mentioned in connection with some the fifth book Eunapius is his guide, though he
laws promulgated in a. D. 373. (Cod. Theodos. nowhere makes mention of him. Photius remarks
6. tit. 31, 12. tit. 10. )
in general terms of the work that it was not s0
3. A Greek historian, who lived in the time of much a history as a compilation from Eunapius.
the younger Theodosins (Evagrius, Hist. Eccl. iii. After Eunapius he follows Olympiodorus, sometimes
41). He is described by Photius (Cod. 98, p. 84, ed. copying from him whole chapters. The style of
Bekker) as kóuns kai SAOPIO KOO Urhyopos (comes Zosimus is fairly described by Photius as concise,
et exadrocatus-fisci). He may possibly have been clear, pure, and not unpleasing. His chief fault as
the son of Zosimus, the prefect of Epeirus, who is an historical writer is that he neglects to notice
mentioned in the Theodosian Code, Zosimus was the chronology.
the author of a history of the Roman empire in six Zosimus was a pagan, and is by no means sparing
books, which is still extant. This work must have of the faults and crimes of the Christian emperors.
been written after the year 425, as an event is | In consequence of this his credibility has been
mentioned in it (v. 27) which took place in that fiercely assailed by several Christian writers, and
year. How long after cannot be determined with has been sometimes defended merely because his
certainty ; but his description of the condition of history tended to the discredit of many leading
the Greek empire at the time he wrote accords persons in the Christian party. Photius thus ex-
with the state of things in the latter part of the presses his opinion: έστι την θρησκείαν ασεβής
fifth century.
Further biographical particulars και πολλάκις εν πολλοίς υλακτών κατά των ευσε
have not come down to us.
6wv (l. c. ). Evagrius (iii. 40, 41) and Nicephorus
As Polybius had narrated the events by which (xvi. 41,
&c. ) also speak in the most unfavourable
the Roman empire had reached its greatness, so terms. The question does not, as has sometimes
Zosimus undertook the task of developing the been supposed, turn upon the credibility of the
events and causes which led to its decline (Zosim. historians whom Zosimus followed, for he did not
i. 57). As the commencement of this decline, he adhere in all cases to their judgment with respect
goes back to the change in the constitution of to events and characters. For instance he entirely
Rome introduced by Augustus. The first book differed from Eunapius in his account of Stilicho
comprises a sketch of the history of the early em- and Serena. Of modern writers, Baronius, Laelius
perors, down to the end of the reign of Diocletian Bisciola, C. v. Barth, J. D. Ritter, R. Bentley,
(A. n. 305). The second, third, and fourth books and St. Croix, have taken the derogatory side.
are devoted to the history of the fourth century, Bentley in particular (Remarks upon a late Discourse
which is treated much less concisely. The fifth of Freethinking, Part. ii. p. 21) speaks of Zosimus
and sixth books embrace the period from A. D. 395 with great contempt. On the other hand, his histo-
to A. D. 410, when Attalus was deposed. Though rical authority has been maintained by Leunclavius,
the decline of the Roman empire was the main G. B. von Schirach, J. Matth. Schröckh, and Reite-
subject which Zosimus selected, it was perhaps his meier. There are no doubt numerous errors of
ambition to imitate Polybius, which led him to judgment to be found in the work, and sometimes
introduce various matters connected with Persian, (especially in the case of Constantine) an intem-
Grecian, and Macedonian history, which are not perate expression of opinion, which somewhat ex-
very intimately connected with his main design. aggerates, if it does not distort the truth.
But he
It is clear that Photius and Evagrius had not more does not seem fairly chargeable with deliberate in-
of the work than we have. Yet it seems likely on vention, or wilful misrepresentation. One passage
some accounts, either that a part of the work has in his history in particular has been fastened upon
been lost or, what is more likely, that Zosimus as evident proof of his untrustworthiness, where
did not live to finish it; for as we now have it, it (ii. 29) he gives his account of the conversion of
does not embrace all that Zosimus himself tells us Constantine, placing it after the murder of his son
he intended to take up (iv. 59. 4, 5, i. 58. $ 9, (A. D. 326), whereas Constantine had declared
iv. 28. & 3). There does not seem much probability himself a Christian much earlier. (Sainte-Croix,
in the conjecture that the monks and other ecclesi- Mém. de l'Académie des Inscr. vol. xlix. p. 466).
astics succeeded in suppressing that portion of the But on the other hand, the common story of the
work in which the evil influences of their body conversion of Constantine does not rest on any
were to be more especially touched upon (v. 23. & 8; authority that is worth much ; and though it is
Harles. ad Fabr. vol. viii. p. 65 ; comp. Voss. de pretty clear that Zosimus has committed an ana-
Hist. Gr. p. 312) If the work was thus left in chronism, it is not so gross as has been sometimes
complete, that circumstance would account for supposed; and there is thus much to be said in
some carelessness of style which is here and there excuse for Zosimus, that it was not till the latter
apparent. There may appear some difficulty at part of his life that Constantine received the rite of
first sight, however, in the statement of Photius, baptism ; and it appears from Sozomen (i. 3) that
that the work, in the form in which he saw it, a story similar to that told by Zosimus was current
appeared to him to be a second edition (véas ékdó- some time previously, so that the latter is not at
Gews). But it would seem that Photius was under any rate responsible for the origination of the tale.
some misapprehension. It is called in the MSS. It is not to be wondered at that one who held to
iotopía vea (in what sense is not quite clear). I the old faith should attribute the downfall of the
This may perhaps have misled Photius. He empire in great part to the religious innovations
himself remarks ihat he had not seen the first attendant upon the spread of Christianity.
edition.
The history of Zosimus was first printed in the
The work of Zosimus is mainly (though not | Latin translation of Leunclavius (Löwenklau), ac-
companied
1576, fol. ).
the transla
Stephanus,
The first cc
simus was
Rom. Min.
published
edited by
and others
is that by
fresh manu
marks of 1
The last ar
There is a
ler, and a
(Schöll,
Fabric. Bi
4. A na
accounts,
emperor A
was the al
(of which
and com
some of w
Demosthe
tions of D
5. AD
grams stil
die. , ed.
6. An
by P. Pos
The edito
about A.
Serera
here, are
vol viii
ZO'SI
man bish
A. D. 417
in the fol
able by
into del
1
any disp
His atte
ations of
pealed to
they ter
the Cart
full inve
their os
the com
in the s
African
his entii
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these fe
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## p. 1335 (#1351) ##########################################
ZOSIMUS
1335
ZOSIMUS.
ZYGIA.
an abridgest e compilation de
Tous bisconans. As far as the s
be first book he foloss Hero
From that point to the 11th caset
ok Eunapias is his guide, though be
ukes mention of him. Photins remain
terms of the work that it was so
story as a compilation from Eena.
-p:28 be foi otrs Olympiodorus, BIDEOS
pon him whole chapters
. The se di
larly described by Photius u cice,
, and not unpleasing. His che tanto
cal writer is that be neglects to Die
ogy
* was a pegan, and is by no means paring
18 and comes of the Constuan eszen
quence of this his credibuty i inn
skailed by several Christmas was, and
sometimes defended merely because is
Rended to the discredit of many into
en the Christian party. Photius ta *
is opinian: έστι την θρησκείας έστεί
λέεις στoλλος υλακτών κατά των εισο.
E) Evagrius (iii
. 40, 41) and Nigebung
,&c. ) also speak in the most záruka
The question does not, as has ke
apposed, turn upon the credibukty of the
uns whom Zosimes followed, for he dites
in all cases to their judgment with me
ots and characters For mstance been
from Eunapius in his account do
erena Of modern writers, Baronia. Les
12. C. v. Barth, J. D. Ritter, R Battery
52 Crois, have taken the derogatartas
py in particular ( Remarks upon a las
vtisning, Part
. ii. p. 21) speaks of Zesta
great contempt. On the other hand, as ist
authority has been maintained by Leita
ron Schirach, J. Matth. SchrochtRot
1. There are no doubt numerous eros de
ment to be found in the work, and Reedte
scially in the case of Constantine) an
te expression of opinion, which seevit e
rates, if it does not distort the truth. But he
| not seem fairly chargeable with deliberate is
tion, or wilful misrepresentation
. One per
is history in particular has been fastened up
erident proof of his untrustworthizes, Dhe
companied by a defence of the historian (Basel, and Simplicius of Vienne, he desired to make sub-
1. 576, fol. ). The first two books, in Greek, with ordinate to the see of Arles, at that time occupied
the translation of Leunclavius, were printed by H. by a certain Patroclus, a priest of very doubtful
Stephanus, in his edition of Herodian (Paris
, 1581). reputation. The bishops of Narbonne and Vienne
The first complete edition of the Greek text of Zo- gave way to a certain extent, or at least did not pe-
sinus was that by F. Sylburg (Scriptores Hist. remptorily refuse obedience, but Proculus, warmly
Rom. Min. vol. iii. ). Later editions are those supported by his clergy and people, bade open de-
published at Oxford (1679), at Zeitz and Jena, fiance to his commands and excommunications.
edited by Cellarius, with annotations of his own Nothing discouraged by this repulsc, Zosimus,
and others (1679, 1713, 1729). The next edition within a very short period of his death, boldly ns-
is that by Reitemeier, who, though he consulted no scrted his absolute jurisdiction over the African
fresh manuscripts, made good use of the critical re- church by reinstating a certain Apiarius, a presbyter
marks of Heyne and other scholars (Leipzig, 1784). of Sicca, who had been regularly deposed for various
The last and best edition is by Bekker, Bonn, 1837. grave offences by his own diocesan, thus exciting a
There is a German translation by Seybold and ley- storm among the fiery Numidians, which must
ler, and also an English and a French translation. have produced a violent convulsion had the author
(Schöll, Gesch. d. Gricch. Lit. vol. iii. p. 232 ; of the decree lived to follow up this stretch of
Fabric. Bill. Gracc. vol. viii. p. 62. )
power by ulterior measures.
4. A native of Ascalon, or, according to cther Fourteen Epistolue et Decrcta of this pope ad-
accounts, of Gaza. He lived in the time of the dressed to various bishops and religious commu-
emperor Anastasius. According to Suidas (s. v. ) he nities, chiefly in regard to the events detailed
was the author of a négis entopen) Katà otoxelor above, have been preserved, together with a few
(of which Suidas himself made considerable use), short fragments of the Tractoria, and of some
and commentaries on Demosthenes and Lysias, other pieces, all of which will be found under their
some of which are still extant in MS. A life of best form in the Epistolac Pontificum Romanorum
Demosthenes by him is prefixed to most of the edi- edited by Coustant, fol. Paris, 1721, vol. i. pp. 934
tions of Demosthenes.
-1006, in the Bibliotheca Patrum of Galland, fol.
5. A native of Thasos, the author of some epi- Venet. 1773, vol. ix. pp. 1-20, and also in the
grams still extant in the Anthology (vol iii. p. 157, Conciliorum amplissima Collectio of Mansi, fol. Flo-
&c. , ed. Jacobs).
rent. 1760, vol. iv. pp. 348–372.
6. An abbot, whose dadoglio uol were edited
(See the Prolegomnena of Mansi and Galland ;
by P. Possinus, in his Thesaurus Asceticus, p. 279. Schönemann, Bibliotheca Patrum Lat. vol. ii. $ 12;
The editor thinks that he flourished in Palestine Bähr, Geschichte der Röm. Litterat. Suppl. Band.
about A. D. 430.
2te Abtheil. § 141. )
[W. R. )
Several others of this name, not worth inserting ZOʻSIMUS, M. CANULEIUS, a gold and
here, are enumerated by Fabricius (Bibl. Graec. silver chaser, whose skill and probity are praised
vol. viii. p. 71, &c. ).
(C. P. M. ] in an extant inscription. (Gruter, p. dcxxxix ;
ZOʻSIMUS. The short pontificate of this Ro- Sillig. Catal. Artif. App. s. v. ) The name is also
man bishop, which lasted from the 18th of March, found on some ancient cameos ; and Raoul-Ro-
A. D. 417, until his death on the 26th of December chette, assuming the identity of the artist, takes
in the following year, was rendered more remark. this as a new proof that the art of engraving on
able by the rash activity with which he plunged metals and on precious stones was often practised
into delicate and irritating controversies than by by the same persons. (Lettre à M. Schorn, p. 158,
any display of sound judgment or high principle. 2d ed. )
[P. S. ]
His attention was first occupied by the represent- ZOSTEÒRIA (Zwotnpla), a surname of Athena
ations of Caelestius and Pelagius, who, having ap- among the Epicnemidian Locrians. (Steph. Byz.
pealed to his predecessor Innocentius against what s. v. Zwotúp; comp. Herod. viii. 107.
