Maternus Cynegius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maternus Cynegius
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Replica of Theodosius' Missorium in the National Museum of Roman Art, Mérida.
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| Born | 4th century |
| Died | 388 |
| Resting place | Hispania |
| Nationality | Roman |
| Occupation | politician |
| Office | Praetorian prefect (384–388) Consul (388) |
| Children | Probably had descendants |
Maternus Cynegius (died 388 AD) was an important official in the Roman Empire. He was a close friend and trusted helper of Emperor Theodosius I. Cynegius held very high positions, like being the Praetorian prefect of the East from 384 to 388, and a consul in 388.
For a long time, many historians believed he was responsible for closing or damaging many non-Christian temples and shrines in the eastern parts of the Roman Empire. However, some newer studies by historians have started to question how big his role really was in these events. They suggest his reputation as a strong Christian who destroyed temples might not be entirely accurate.
Contents
Who Was Maternus Cynegius?
Maternus Cynegius was likely from Hispania (modern-day Spain and Portugal). We think this because his body was sent there to be buried after he died. He was also probably part of the larger family and close friends of Emperor Theodosius I, who was also from Hispania.
Cynegius quickly rose to the highest ranks in the Roman government under Emperor Theodosius. This suggests that his connection to the emperor helped him get these important jobs. However, some records show that Cynegius had already held many different civil jobs before Theodosius became emperor. This means he might have had a lot of experience that made him a good choice for these high positions.
Cynegius's Career and Roles
Cynegius first appears in historical records in 383 AD as the emperor's treasurer, a job called comes sacrarum largitionum. This person managed the empire's money. Just a few months later, he was made quaestor sacri palatii, which was a top legal advisor to the emperor.
Soon after, in January 384, he became the Praetorian prefect of the East. This was a very powerful role, like being a chief minister or governor for a large part of the empire. His main task was to help fill empty seats in the city councils (called curiae) in the eastern provinces. These councils were important for local government.
Some ancient writers, like the historian Zosimus, also say that Cynegius was tasked with closing non-Christian temples and stopping their worship.
Travels and Death
Cynegius traveled throughout the eastern Roman Empire. He visited Egypt, probably in late 386. While in Alexandria, he announced that Emperor Theodosius had accepted Magnus Maximus, a military leader, as a legitimate emperor.
For his loyal service, Cynegius was given the honor of being a consul in 388. This was a very prestigious title. However, he died early in that same year, either in Constantinople or on his way back from Egypt. He was first buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles on March 19, 388. About a year later, his wife, Achantia, had his body sent to Hispania for burial.
Laws and Public Works
While in office, Cynegius helped put several important laws into action. These laws aimed to:
- Fill empty positions in city councils.
- Punish local officials who did not do their duties on these councils.
- Support public building projects, like city walls, in places like Antioch.
He was also involved in a law that stopped the ancient practice of haruspicy, which was a way of predicting the future using animal organs. He also helped create laws against certain religious groups, including some laws that seemed to be against Jewish communities. Some historians say these laws were stricter than Emperor Theodosius's usual policies.
Cynegius is believed to be the high official shown on the Missorium of Theodosius I, a famous silver plate. Archaeologists have also found a country house near Carranque in Spain that they think belonged to Cynegius.
Debate About Temple Closures
Maternus Cynegius is well-known in history because some ancient sources suggest he was involved in actions against non-Christian temples in the eastern Roman Empire. Here's what some of these sources say:
- The historian Zosimus, who lived in the 6th century and was not Christian, wrote that Cynegius systematically closed temples and stopped traditional worship while traveling through the East and in Egypt. Another old record, the Consularia Constantinopolitana, tells a similar story.
- Libanius, a writer from Antioch who lived at the same time as Cynegius, reported many acts against non-Christian shrines in Syria. He specifically mentioned an unnamed official (who many believe was Cynegius) who, encouraged by his wife, destroyed a temple in Osroene without the emperor's permission.
- The 5th-century church historian Theodoret wrote about an unnamed eastern governor who tried to destroy a temple of Zeus in Apameia, Syria, with the help of a local bishop.
Based on these accounts, many historians, like Otto Seeck and John Matthews, have blamed Cynegius for these disturbances. Some even suggested he encouraged groups of monks to destroy rural shrines.
However, in 2005, historian Neil McLynn raised doubts about Cynegius's role as a "temple destroyer." McLynn argued that the stories from Zosimus, Libanius, and Theodoret are different and might not be entirely reliable. He pointed out that Theodoret's story might be exaggerated, and Libanius's account might not even be about Cynegius. Also, Zosimus said Cynegius only closed temples, not necessarily destroyed them, and focused on his actions in Alexandria, Egypt. McLynn believes that Zosimus and other sources might have overstated Cynegius's importance in these events, suggesting his role might have been very small or symbolic. Many other scholars have agreed with or at least considered McLynn's ideas.
Family Connections
A monument found in Raphanea, Syria, mentions a woman named Materna Cynegia, her sister Antonia Cassia, and her daughter Herennia. Because of the name Materna Cynegia, it's likely they were related to Maternus Cynegius, possibly his daughters.
He was also probably related to Aemilius Florus Paternus, who was a governor in Africa in 393 AD and had a son named Cynegius. Another possible relative was Aemilia Materna Thermantia, who was a grandniece of Emperor Theodosius and married to Emperor Honorius. It is also thought that the praetorian prefect Cynegius was related to another person named Cynegius whom Empress Aelia Eudoxia sent to a temple in Gaza in 401 AD.
See also
In Spanish: Materno Cinegio para niños
