ABSTRACT
Two of Choricius’ encomiastic speeches, Orations 1 and 2, delivered in praise of Bishop Marcian, have for a long time been studied by literary scholars as well as art historians and archaeologists since they include lengthy and detailed descriptions of significant urban landmarks. The values of peace, harmony and propriety are also at the heart of Choricius’ representation of how the Gazan School is run. In the Funeral Oration for Procopius, his old teacher, Choricius claims that disorder and confusion gripped the Athenian assembly when Pericles was absent, ‘but at the first sight of his appearance, the assembly was transformed. While Choricius seems to welcome those members of the audience who are knowledgeable enough to challenge his speeches, he repeatedly and vocally expresses his opposition to those whose lack of gentleness and education might actually destabilise Gazan society.
