Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity Online

Get access

Synesius of Cyrene
(3,000 words)

Synesius of Cyrene (c. 370–c. 413 CE) was a philosopher, bishop, poet, and man of letters. He was the author of a modest but highly original œuvre in many genres, reflecting like few others the continuity of pagan culture, religion, and philosophical doctrine in a syncretist system of thought inclusive of Hellenism and Christianity.

Life and Writings

Synesius, a native of Cyrene, was born in a distinguished family that belonged to the local aristocracy and adhered t…

Cite this page
Op de Coul, Michiel, “Synesius of Cyrene”, in: Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity Online, General Editor David G. Hunter, Paul J.J. van Geest, Bert Jan Lietaert Peerbolte. Consulted online on 02 October 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2589-7993_EECO_SIM_00003316>
First published online: 2018



▲   Back to top   ▲