Sallustius of Emesa

Salustios from Emesa (* probably around 430) was a Roman philosopher.

His father was Basileides Syrian, his mother Theoklea came from Emesa. Salustios studied law and received a rhetorical education in the Sophist Eunoios. Salustios opted for a life as a sophist, went to Athens and from there - accompanied by the Neo-Platonist Isidore - to Alexandria, where he attended the schools of rhetoric. Later ( he was 30 to 40 years old), he traveled to Marcellinus, the ruler of Dalmatia.

Salustios had probably also Neoplatonists contacts, but turned to cynicism about and practiced for a 5th century quite ancient asceticism. He is said to have possessed a talent for prophecy of the violent death of people, among others, whom he met.

Salustios claimed that philosophy for the people is not only difficult, but impossible; He brought success young people from philosophy from, among other things Athenodoros from the circle around Proclus Proclus himself, and fought with writings by him are known.