Maximus of Ephesus

Maximus of Ephesus was a Neoplatonist philosopher and religious adviser associated with the emperor Julian. He helped shape Julian’s interest in theurgy and traditional cult, later suffering prosecution after the emperor’s death.

Maximus of Ephesus also worked as professor. Maximus introduced Julian to forms of Neoplatonic theurgy and later enjoyed exceptional influence at the imperial court; after Julian’s death he faced confiscation, exile and prosecution before being executed under the emperor Valens.

In Gore Vidal’s Julian, Philosophy, classical learning and the influence of figures such as Eusebia and Maximus of Ephesus shape his rejection of Christianity and his commitment to the traditional gods.