1.Introduction
Flavius Arrianus from Nicomedia in Bithynia is regarded as a prime example for the successful blend of Roman and Greek identity in imperial times.In his writings,he proudly presents himself as a Roman official and Greek intellectual.1 Both parts of his polyvalent identity served him as elements of his symbolic capital.2 His Roman political-military persona complemented his image as a masterly educated Greek philosopher and man of letters.The patronage of Greek culture by the markedly philhellene emperor Hadrian provided a particularly ideal background for him.