Aurelius Valerius Tullianus Symmachus – Proconsul of Achaea?

Abstract

The present paper discusses the question of the identity of Symmachus, the recipient of Cod. Theod. II 15, 1 and II 4, 1. (a. 319). According to Caillan Davenport’s survey concerning Roman governors of Achaia under Diocletian and Constantine, the man was the proconsul of Achaea named Aurelius Valerius Tullianus Symmachus, later consul in 330 AD, but he was not mentioned in two Greek inscriptions from Megara and Argos, engraved probably in the second half of the 4th century. The present author deduces that a certain Symmachus was probably the proconsul of Achaea, although the final answer regarding the question of his title in Cod. Theod. II 15, 1 requires a careful analysis of the manuscripts which preserved it and there is still some doubt as to whether we should include the consul Aurelius Valerius Tullianus Symmachus in the list of governors of this province.