John Lydus: On the Months

to do with his literary compositions: Gabriel, the city prefect of Constantinople in 543, was reportedly the addressee of De mensibus and De ostentis.⁴¹

Justinian's letter in recognition of John's literary skills praises his learning (paideia) in literature (logoi), his precision and accuracy (akribeia) in "grammatical" matters (grammatika)—that is, matters connected to language and the understanding of texts—as well as his "grace" (charis) among the poets and his all-around education (polymatheia). The mention of poetry likely reflects the specific panegyric that John composed for the emperor. The letter then notes that he was especially concerned with the Latin language—that his dedication to books and literature was geared toward making the "speech of the Romans" more august or revered (semnos). In consideration of all this, Justinian says, it is fitting for John to impart the fruits of his study to others. Later, at John's retirement ceremony, the sitting prefect Hephaestus reiterated these themes, pointing to his literary education (paideia and logoi), which evoked wonder at both John himself and the pupils he taught, in addition to mentioning his work in the Praetorian prefecture, described as "political affairs" (politika pragmata).⁴²

John held his teaching position concurrently, it seems, with the later part of his bureaucratic career in the Praetorian prefecture. Given his admitted "hatred" for the latter, his teaching and his literary work seem clearly to have been his emotional focus in the last years of his official career, although literature and study had been constant interests. After his retirement, he says, he again dedicated himself to his books.⁴³

The date of John's death is unknown, but regarding a terminus post quem Latin: "a limit after which"—the earliest possible date for an event, a reference to Justinian's overcoming the Persian king Chosroës "with iron" after doing so earlier "with gold" (De mag. 3.55) is frequently cited, taken as a reference to the Byzantine victory and truce of 556-7 (contrasted with the peace of 532).⁴⁴ The peace treaty of 561, of which he shows no knowledge, provides a possible final terminus.⁴⁵ Contrary to the