Eusebius of Myndus was a Neoplatonic philosopher who lived during the 4th century CE. He was a native of the city of Myndus in Asia Minor and studied at the school in Pergamum under the philosopher Aedesius, a disciple of Iamblichus. He was a contemporary and fellow student of the future Roman emperor Julian.
His historical significance comes primarily from his portrayal in the biographical work of the historian Eunapius. According to this account, Eusebius represented a more reserved and intellectual strand of Neoplatonism. When the emperor Julian was seeking a philosophical guide, Eusebius reportedly warned him against the extreme ritualistic and magical practices, known as theurgy, favored by another philosopher, Maximus of Ephesus. This suggests Eusebius was cautious about certain mystical elements within his philosophical tradition, emphasizing intellectual pursuit over ritual.
No writings by Eusebius of Myndus are known to survive. His importance lies in illustrating a key debate within late ancient Platonism about the proper relationship between philosophical reasoning and religious ritual in the quest for wisdom.
Available Works
Sources
- Stanford Encyclopedia Entry (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) Accessed: 2026-01-26
- Britannica Entry (Encyclopædia Britannica) Accessed: 2026-01-26
- Perseus Entry (Perseus Digital Library) Accessed: 2026-01-26