A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ἑρμογένης), of Pontus, was praefectus praetorio Orientis A. D. 359. He is probably the Hermogenes mentioned by Libanius as the best of all the magistrates of his time, though commonly supposed to be rough and severe. This character of Hermogenes agrees with that given by Ammianus, who says that when Constantius desired to establish an inquisitorial tribunal (A. D. 359), on occasion of some troubles in Egypt, Hermogenes was not appointed, "as being of too mild a temper." Hermogenes died soon after, and was succeeded in his praefecture by Helpidius. [HELPIDIUS.] This Hermogenes is to be distinguished from the officer of the same name sent to depose Paulus, bishop of Constantinople (A. D. 342), and murdered in the tumult excited by that proceeding; as well as from the ex-praefect of Egypt, to whom the emperor Julian addressed a letter; and from the proconsul of Achaia, to whom the sophist Himerius addressed one of his discourses. It is uncertain from which of these persons (if from any) a part of the horses, of Cappadocian breed, in the imperial stud were called " Equi Hermogeniani," by which name they are mentioned in edicts of Valentinian I. and of Arcadius. (Amm. Marc. 19.12, 21.6; Liban. de Vita sua, Opera, vol. ii. p. 39, 40, ed. Morel; Phot. Bibl. cod. 165; Julian. Epist. 23, Opera, p. 389, ed. Spanhem. fol. Lips. 1696; Cod. Theod. 10. tit. 6.1; 15. tit. 10.1; Tillemont, Hist. des Emp. vol. iv.)

[J.C.M]