Family and friendship in the west
Ian Wood
At the beginning of fifth century senatorial aristocracy late empire seemed well assured its future. Its great dynasties, Anicii and Symmachi among them, appear full confidence in letter collections period – those Symmachus himself, but also Jerome, Augustine Paulinus Nola. Nor were they much shaken by initial break-up western empire, despite panic-stricken reactions to arrival barbarians invasions Huns. end Italian appears as confident ever inscriptions Colosseum letters Ennodius Pavia. Gallic counterpart, a little less grand status, nearly comparable wealth, dominates Sidonius Apollinaris, Ruricius Limoges Avitus Vienne, having significant profile that (Provençal birth, albeit his career). By mid sixth century, however, greatest these dynasties no longer power west: Justinian’s Ostrogothic wars had destroyed their base, although themselves still some importance Constantinople. However, while front rank collapsed Italy, successor states Gaul provincial counterpart survived, is again evidenced collection, this time poetic epistles Venantius Fortunatus. In all probability it managed hang on wealth.
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