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died 372 CE
Maximus of Ephesus was a pupil of Aedesius and the most flamboyant of the theurgic Neoplatonists. He won lasting fame — and notoriety — for spectacular demonstrations of theurgy: it was said that in the temple of Hecate he could make the goddess's statue smile and the torches in her hands burst into flame.
His decisive role was as teacher and confidant of the young Julian, whom he initiated into the mysteries of Iamblichean Platonism and won wholly to the cause of the old gods. When Julian became emperor he summoned Maximus to court, where the philosopher enjoyed great honor and influence over the attempted pagan restoration.
That closeness proved fatal. After Julian's death Maximus fell from favor, was accused of magic and conspiracy, and was executed under the emperor Valens in 372. He embodies, more than anyone, the union of philosophy, ritual, and political fortune in the last age of paganism.
PLATO SCROLL