Olympiodorus of Thebes (c. 380 - 425 AD) is a multifaceted figure. A Roman historian from Egypt, poet, philosopher, and diplomat, he takes several official journeys. For twenty years he's accompanied by a clever parrot.
In one of his writings is mentions the parrot as psittacus, an African grey. These parrots are known for their imitation skills and playful nature. According to Olympiodorus there is no human skill the parrot cannot master.
The monumental work of Olympiodorus, the History (407 - 425), encompasses twenty-two volumes in Greek. He dedicates this Magnum Opus to Emperor Theodosius II, reigning at Constantinople.
Writing about the tumultuous events of the Western Roman Empire, Olympiodorus is one of the most important historians of the time. His vibrant social life involves many contemporary intellectuals, officials, courtiers and philosophers in Athens, Ravenna and Constantinople.
Around 400 AD he acquires his pet parrot, a faithful companion for the next twenty years. The parrot speaks Greek and can "dance, sing, call its owner's name, and do many other tricks." (Matthews, John F. 1970).
Olympiodorus and his parrot are known to embark on numerous state-sponsored journeys, usually to gather information or act as ambassador. His first recorded visit is as diplomat to the Huns in 412/3. Olympiodorus writes about
"Donatus and the Huns, and the skillfulness of their kings in shooting with the bow. The author relates that he himself was sent on a mission to them and Donatus, and gives a tragic account of his wanderings and perils by the sea. How Donatus, being deceived by an oath, was unlawfully put to death. How Charaton, the first of the kings, being incensed by the murder, was appeased by presents from the emperor."
Olympiodorus marries and adopts a son, thought to be an orphaned relative. With his family and parrot he moves to Constantinople and uses his Classical education and social nature to establish himself at the court of Theodosius II.
As a committed but discrete pagan, Olympiodorus is able to navigate the complexities of a Christian court. His presence in such circles not only speaks to his adaptability but also to his intellectual acumen and charisma. A clever parrot is helpful too.
Around 420 AD he takes a sea voyage in an official capacity. According to 9th century Photius of Constantinople:
"While talking of a marvelous star (called Urania by the sailors), he was leaning heavily against the mast, which nearly gave way and precipitated him into the water."
In some accounts the star Urania falls upon the ship. Urania is the Greek muse of astrology and astronomy.
Olympiodorus visits Athens and describes student rituals in the city:
"All newcomers (novices), young and old, were taken to the public baths. Those who were by age fit to wear the cloak were brought forward by the scholastics who escorted them; then, while some ran in front pushed them back, others, running behind, pushed them forward and resisted them, amid shouts of 'Stop, stop, he must not wash.'
Those who pushed back those who tried to hinder the progress of the novice were considered to be victorious in the contest. After a considerable time, and after a long disputation had taken place in accordance with custom, he who was being escorted was taken into a warm room and washed. Having dressed himself, he received permission to wear the cloak on his way from the bath, being accompanied by a numerous and distinguished throng."
In 416, he explores the oases in the Egyptian desert. The primary reason for this visit might have been to gather intelligence on the Blemmyes of Nubia, a barbarian group residing to the south of the Great Oasis and the Thebaïd, known for their frequent raids.
Around 420 a type of obituary appears in his writings. The parrot has died. Olympiodorus takes his last official journey in 424/25 AD. He departs world of the living shortly thereafter.
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