Constantius II's legislation began with the banning of the pagan practice of sacrifice.[1][2][37] This was in keeping with his personal maxim was: "Cesset superstitio; sacrificiorum aboleatur insania" (Let superstition cease; let the folly of sacrifices be abolished).[4] According to Libanius, Constantius was effectively under the control of others who inspired him to end pagan sacrifices.[42]