Religious Intolerance in the Later Roman Empire - Bad request ...

n ecks of his subjects to his ow n belief by threaten in g edicts, but left such
m atters un disturbed as he foun d them . (Amm. Marc. 30.9.5)
Ammianus’ description of Valentinian’s official religious attitude is reflected to
a considerable degree in his extant laws as preserved in the Theodosian Code. 18 The
status of the Church was not enhanced either to the detriment of other religions or
simply within its own right; although its status was substantively undermined, at times
and in certain situations laws were enacted which curbed earlier Clerical activities and
privileges, which would have been somewhat to the detriment of clerics and the
Church. There is little evidence in the Code at least, that Valentinian was an “earnest
Christian.” 19 Legislation against heretics is the only blot against Ammianus’ glowing
verdict, but even in these cases and in legislation affecting other groups, there is only
one specific punishment laid down and only three instances in which derogatory
sentiments are expressed. 20 With this legislation Valentinian may have been
constrained by earlier practices and attitudes towards heresy. Similarly, a brief law
touching on paganism does stand apart from the others, but there are significant
secular factors which caused this temporary departure. As with legislation under
previous emperors, the particular political circumstances at the time do affect the
nature of the laws themselves, as do the personalities of those involved in proposing
and then accepting new legislation. 21
There are twenty surviving laws from the reign of Valentinian I in the
Theodosian Code concerned with religious matters. Fifteen deal with the Church and
Christianity, 22 there are also eight letters from Valentinian to his officials on the
18 For other instances of Valentinian’s tolerance and flexibility on religious issues which are not
contained within the Code see Lenski (2002) 238-241.
19 As alledged by Jones (1964) 139; See Nixon (1994) 295-297 on how Valentinian’s “Christian
credentials” were established after his death and projected back into his reign, most notably by Ambrose
for use in the Altar of Victory debate.
20 Soc. 4.1.12-13 “[Valentinian] offered no violence to the Arians” toi`s de;
ajreianivzousin oujdamw`" h\n ojclhrov"
21 See Lenski (2002) 214-15 for similar sentiments expressed by the younger Symmachus.
22 CTh 16.2.17 of 10 September 364; 12.1.59 of 12 September 364; 9.40.8 of 15 January 365; 14.3.11 of 27
September 365; 15.7.1 of 11 February 367; 9.38.3 of 5 May 367; 8.8.1 of 21 April 368/370/373; 11.36.20
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