Diodore of Tarsus was an influential Christian teacher and writer about whom we know very little. Born in Antioch at some point in the early fourth century, he was trained first in theology by Silvanus (later bishop of Tarsus) and then in traditional writing and interpretation techniques in Athens. Upon his return to Antioch, Diodore became an interpreter of scripture and a teacher of interpretation in the Christian community of his native city, and, along with his friend Flavian, he embraced the ascetical life. Both Diodore and Flavian were ordained presbyters in Antioch by Meletius in the early 360s, indicating their pro-Nicene sympathies in the fractured church of that city. In the years 362–363 Emperor Julian encountered Diodore in Antioch and ridiculed him in a letter (Ep. 55). Ancient historians also report that Diodore and another man, Carterius, headed an institution where other Christians studied; it has frequently been called a “monastery” by historians, but it is perhaps more descriptive to call it a school, as reading and learning seem to have been the primary activities. Among its students were both Theodore of Mopsuestia1 and John Chrysostom, themselves influential thinkers in late ancient Christian culture.