Um Magister Navigandi escolhido em meio à tempestade: Joviano e a entropia (363-364 d.C.)

Abstract

This article explores the Roman imperial context between 363 and 364. It aims to present an interpretative key that allows the analysis of the scarcely studied period of Emperor Jovian’s government. For this purpose, the authors propose the use ofthe concept of entropy, found in Political Science, and carved out by means of the information found in various ancient sources which narrate the development of Jovian’s actions, such as the ones written by Ammianus Marcellinus, Zosimus, Libanius, and Paulus Orosius. Following this itinerary, the authors search for the particularity of the political and military process which took place in the second half of the fourth century and propose a concept that can be useful for future studies on the Late Antiquity.