The Ecclesiastical History of Evagrius Scholasticus - Coptic ...

have formed the basis of Eustathius’ narrative from the mid-third
century down to the 470s and his own lifetime. It is likely, however, that
Evagrius also read both authors for himself, though there is no conclusive
proof. 40 Zosimus receives an extended, if somewhat tendentious,
refutation (iii.40^1), which might have been stimulated indirectly if
Eustathius had reported Zosimus’ attacks on Constantine in detail, but
the subject was important for Evagrius and it would be surprising if he
had not himself made an e¡ort to investigate fully the points at issue.
Priscus is cited ¢ve times by Evagrius, for information on the Huns
(i.17), the origins of Marcian (ii.1), rioting in Alexandria (ii.5), a natural
disaster (ii.14), and Leo’s expedition against the Vandals (ii.16). 41
Evagrius praises his comprehensive record, exceptional learning,
elegant style and accuracy (i.17; ii.16). Eustathius may have mentioned
all of these events, but Evagrius intends to convey the impression of
¢rst-hand acquaintance with Priscus, which is not implausible. 42
Malalas
INTRODUCTION xxvii
Antioch, as has been stated above, was the focus of Evagrius’ world, and
for information on its history before his own lifetime he naturally
turned to the main local chronicler, John Malalas (John the rhetor);
Malalas, however, is not included in the list of historiographical predecessors,
presumably because he was not the right sort of author. Evagrius
refers to him for the translation of the relics of Ignatius (i.16), the earthquake
of 458 (ii.12), the death of Patriarch Stephen (iii.10), the constructions
of Mamianus (iii.27), and the great quake of 526 (iv.5). Evagrius
praises his careful record and moving narrative of the two quakes (ii.12;
iv.5), and explicitly comments on the terminus of the text, as he does for
Eustathius. 43 He was not aware of the continuation of Malalas which
covered the whole of the reign of Justinian, but this extension had a
40 Allen, Evagrius 8, 239^40.
41 For the full collection of the fragments of Priscus, together with passages that can
plausibly be ascribed to him, see Blockley, Historians II.
42 Evagrius notes when Eustathius had abbreviated information which was recorded by
other writers (i.19); though these are not named, Priscus is the most likely candidate at this
point, but Evagrius gives prominence to the source on which he was actually relying and so
here mentions Eustathius rather than Priscus (or anyone else).
43 For discussion of the terminus, see iv.5, n. 13 below.