Tax Revolt in Antioch (387) in the Light of Libanius’ Speeches and John Chrysostom’s Homilies. Rhetoric and Historical Facts
Abstract
The present article discusses the revolt that broke out in Antioch in 387 because Emperor Theodosius the Great announced imposition of new taxes that were a considerable burden for all the citizens of Antioch. First, on the basis of John Chrysostom’s homilies belonging to the series Ad populum Antiochenum and Libanius’ speeches (especially Speech XIX) the course of events is presented. Then the arguments are presented that were used by the two authors when they tried to reconcile Theodosius and Antioch. The speakers showed that the people of Antioch are not solely responsible for the riots and that is why they should not be punished for insulting the emperor’s statues. They ardently put the blame for the rebellion on the traditional rhetoric „scapegoats” and they tried to convince the Emperor that he should show his forgiveness by restoring the signs of his patronage, like the emperor’s statues, baths, the hippodrome, theaters and the municipal status. Finally they laid responsibility on the „demon” - a supernatural power that could not fall under the competence of courts of justice.
Analysis of Libanius’ speeches and John Chrysostom’s homilies as historical sources for research on the revolt of 387 is justified, despite their rhetoric nature. On the other hand, examining the misty subtexts found in those texts in the hope of identification of a particular individual or group responsible for instigating the rebellion becomes futile.
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