Born into a moderately successful family in the region of
Thesprotia, as a boy Clearchus was taught by the
philosopher and
sophist Nicoles. Moving to
Constantinople, in 356 or perhaps 357 he visited
Antioch, and throughout this period (until 363) he was an associate of
Themistius. From 359 Clearchus held a number of unknown posts in Constantinople, and was promoted in 360 to a higher position. It is possible that he was appointed to the post of
assessor during this period. His increasing political clout was demonstrated by his inclusion in the embassy from the
Senate to Antioch to greet the new emperor
Jovian after his accession. From 363 to 366 AD, Clearchus was appointed
Vicarius of
Asia. In 364 he intervened to secure the acquittal of Alexander of Heliopolis, the former governor of
Syria. In 365 he was asked to intervene in an incident at
Perga concerning Metrophanes, the
governor of
Pamphylia. During the revolt of
Procopius, he remained loyal to the emperor
Valens, and risked his life in support of him. He criticised the
Praetorian Prefect Salutius, accusing him of laziness in his response to the crisis. As a reward for his loyalty, Valens possibly appointed Clearchus as the
proconsul of
Asia. He held this post from 366 to 367 AD, during which he managed to remove Salutius from his post and secure the appointment of Auxonius in his place. He was also able to protect the philosopher
Maximus of Ephesus, who had been convicted of illegally enriching himself, by releasing him and restoring his property. Clearchus's next appointment was as
Praefectus urbi of Constantinople in 372, which he held for a year. During his appointment Clearchus led the inauguration of the
Aqueduct of Valens (373 AD), and he subsequently commissioned a
Nymphaeum Maius in the
Forum of Theodosius that was supplied with water from the aqueduct. He was appointed Urban Prefect of Constantinople for a second time, this time from 382 to 384 AD. As a reward for his services, Clearchus was made
consul in 384. During his time as consul, Clearchus's influence appears to have receded and he held no further posts. A
pagan, Clearchus received regular correspondence from the sophist
Libanius. ==Notes==