Troilus of Constantinople (Τρώϊλος ὁ Κωνσταντινουπολίτης) was a pagan sophist and rhetorician active in Constantinople during the late 4th and early 5th centuries CE. A student of Lachares of Athens and a contemporary and rival of the sophist Syrianus, he taught rhetoric and held political influence in the capital during the reign of Theodosius II [1]. His prominence is confirmed by his correspondence with Synesius of Cyrene, who sought his patronage in civic affairs [3]. The Suda records he had a daughter named Terentia [2].

No writings by Troilus survive. The Suda notes he composed declamations and rhetorical works, but all are lost [1][2].

Troilus represents the enduring legacy of the Second Sophistic in late antique Constantinople, illustrating the persistence of classical paideia among elites in an increasingly Christian empire. His documented career and connections, such as with Synesius, highlight the period's complex intellectual and religious cross-currents [1][3].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-6572 2. Suda Online (via ToposText): https://topostext.org/work/529#tau.1001 3. Synesius of Cyrene, Letter 73 (via Perseus Digital Library): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0580%3Aletter%3D73