Sapiens ubique civis

♫ Hush, Mum and Twin Brother, don’t you fear, for Baby Heracles is here ♫.

Aaron Plattner — 2023-05-22

In Nemean 1 Pindar celebrates the chariot race victory of Sicilian nobleman Chromius. As usual, the poet praises his commissioner through the attribution of stereotypical outstanding properties and by means of a transcending mythical foil (pars epica). But in this case, his choice to relate the winner’s success to Heracles’s postnatal throttling of the Hera-sent twin snakes disconcerted ancient as well as modern critics and caused them to provide possible explanations. Albeit the great number and ingenuity of their suggestions, the issue still needs further investigation. This paper aims to add clarity by stressing the ode’s poetological statement as a contributing factor to Pindar’s choice. The argument runs that while the hymnic reminiscences of the entire pars epica – among other things – stress Chromius’s mortality, the commemoration of the allegedly ancient snake-throttling episode demonstrates the possibility to overcome same mortality thanks to the Muse who never forgets great contests.

Seven Against Mage: Darius and His Co-Conspirators

Libor Pruša — 2023-05-22

In this article, we will focus on the turbulent year 522 BC, when Darius the Great became the King of the Achaemenid Empire. His ascension to the throne was not a simple hereditary matter, as he had to depose the impostor King, false Bardiya, and face many rebellions across the Empire. Darius eventually prevailed, but he was not alone in the rebellion, as he received help from six other Persian noblemen. We will study three sources that describe these events: the Behistun inscription by Darius, Herodotus’ Histories, and Ctesias’ Persica. The core of the story does not change much, but each one of the sources brings new details to the narrative. Our main goal will be to compare the lists of the nobles who helped Darius and how their roles (or even the conspirators themselves) changed throughout the sources.

Notes on a Minor Character in Attic Tragedy: The Nurse of Phaedra.

Eleonora Falini — 2023-05-22

5th century Attic theatre was a mass phenomenon and the audience was the focal point of this collective dimension. The tragic subject was based on the epic tradition, which was part of spectators’ cultural heritage: the tragedian could not overlook these expectations. This study aims to investigate the dramatic key role of minor characters, which represents a privileged tool to introduce novelty in the repertoire. The reconfiguration of them, even drastical, did not necessarily imply a disruption of the epic core, and so the marginal position of servants, pedagogues, nurses, messengers, was crucial. The λόγος is the only mean at their disposal, that’s the reason why they so frequently pronounce warnings and training. But are these humble characters capable of being righteous advisors, for a good παιδεία? The case of Phaedra’s nurse, in Euripides’ Hippolytus Stephanephoros, offers an intriguing opportunity of study.

‘Green vines on the slag of ruin’?

Enno Friedrich — 2023-05-22

In this paper, I am examining the social role of the choir in Euripides’ Bacchae. I am arguing that Wole Soyinka’s adaptation The Bacchae of Euripides. A Communion Rite presents a viable model to understand the social relevance of the characterisation of the bacchants in Bacchae better. Also Euripides’ choir, like Soyinka’s slave choir, is affected by the expectation of the role of rural, foreign slaves. The exceptionality and the dramatic conflict of the bacchants lies in the fact that they are free followers of Dionysus while the other protagonists in the play expect them to be slaves. An understanding of the choir along these lines affects the interpretation of the entire Bacchae: the play becomes, thus, also a social drama about potential class conflict and class hatred, a problem that Attic tragedy is able to negotiate in the mirrorreality of mythical Thebes.

The Paleographic Error: The Hellenistic Scholars’ Studies about Iliad 14, 241 and 21, 363

Davide Vago — 2023-05-22

The skills and care by wich the Hellenistic scholarship studies the Homeric text are well-known by scholars. Despite several researches concerning the methodology of Alexandrian scholars (διόρθωσις) have been published in the last decades, the Hellenistic studies about the paleographic error produced by copyists in delivering the Homeric text has not been studied and relevant essays on the subject are lacking. In order to clarify the method adopted by Hellenistic scholars to acknowledge and emend the paleographic errors in the Homeric texts, I have taken into account their exegesis on Il. 14, 241 and Il. 21, 363. As regards Il. 14, 241 I have studied two scholia handed down by the manuscript tradition and reaching back to the exegesis of Porphyry and Herodianus; on the other hand, as concerning Il. 21, 363 I have analysed two scholia handed down by the manuscript tradition and the P. Oxy. 221 (2nd century AD) which gives us information about the book 21 of the Iliad. The aim of my research is: (1) supporting the thesis about the Hellenistic scholars’ skills in working on the Homeric text; (2) studying how the acknowledgement of the paleographic error is used in order to restore the Homeric text; (3) showing how in the Hellenistic age this exegetical method has been adopted by several scholars.

Avarice and Humor in Plautus’ Comedy The Pot of Gold:

Katrin Iakimova-Zheleva — 2023-05-22

The paper searches for some textual occurrences regarding the distinctive Plautine humor with its prevalent linguistic aspect and particularly wordplays and phrases concerning the concept of avarice in his comedy The Pot of Gold. By exploring some specific examples, the text brings forward techniques of translation for rendering a comic effect in the first full translation (1915) of the play in Bulgarian by A. D. Pironkov. The purpose of the analysis is to determine whether the translation methods used ensure the preservation of Plautus’ comic effect. Some linguistic characteristics of humor are presented based on Cicero’s categorization of types of humor. A brief explanation is given of a possible pragmatic instrumentarium for producing humorous impact for a new audience.

The Case of Apollo and the Sibylline Books

Máté Marton — 2023-05-22

In this paper I examine Augustus’s reconceptualisation of the Sibylline books’ role in Roman culture, religion and politics, focusing on the affiliation between the prophecies and Apollo. These oracles were described as the fata et remedia Romana; this concept, arguably, allows us to uncover that in republican religion Apollo’s position was similar to the one occupied by the libri Sibyllini: both served to avert prodigies and help pursue the pax deorum. I believe, that Augustus utilised this connection to the benefit of his chosen god-patron, and appropriated the books in order to emphasise his reign as a new age, where no more prodigium could occur. Tibullus and Vergil contribute to this narrative. The Sibylline books did not lose all significance, rather they were reconfigured as instruments legitimising Augustus, supporting his desire to celebrate the ludi saecularis in 17 BC. Finally, I will present an alternative view on the Sibylline books’ incorporation into the Augustan system using Ovid’s distinctive treatment of the Sybil’s story in Metamorphoses.

(Re-)Invention or Revival? The Emperor Augustus and the Re-Introduction of Rituals

Malka Wijeratne — 2023-05-22

The Emperor Augustus promised the revival of the Republic and its values, the revival of Rome’s reputation as a great city and most importantly, he promised and ensured the revival of ancestral rituals. Augustus brought more attention to specific rituals, particularly when he performed them and thus set himself apart from earlier politicians. He also brought attention to rituals that, evidently, had not held a significant position within Roman religious traditions. By placing greater focus on the rituals, Augustus was able to paint himself as the savior of these rituals, thereby setting himself apart from his rivals and gaining the support of the people. This paper intends to look at a handful of examples that describe or depict Augustus actively participating in rituals. It will also explore whether Augustus performed the rituals as they were, or if he ‘re-invented’ them for his own personal gain.

Some Thoughts on the Blood of Christ and Its Symbolism in Byzantine Epigrams Regarding the Cross And the Crucifixion

Anastasios Kantaras — 2023-05-22

This study deals with the holy byzantine epigram regarding the Cross and the Crucifixion of Christ focusing on the presence, the position, and the importance of the blood of Christ on the instrument of torture that is the Cross. I will try to interpret and explain this repeated pattern through the lines of Byzantine epigrams, and, in the end, figure out any possible influences from other domains of Byzantine philology, such as hymnography and homilies, drawing further conclusions.

Classical Zeus or Barbarian Taranis?

Branislav Živković — 2023-05-22

While the Mediterranean civilization reshaped protohistoric communities with the introduction of the coinage, it is fairly interesting in which way the Celts embraced the Classical iconography of Zeus and the compound messages behind it. Initially, they were made for interaction with a Greek or a Roman and not a Celt. The author of this article questions whether the La Tène’s wheel motif had penetrated the coin’s imagery from the warrior’s thought – to whom, the lighting wheel, in combination with other signifiers, could stand as an ‘Amalgamation Switcher’ for the thunder-deity Taranis and his forgotten lore. For that reason, after examination of available historical and archaeological data, an alternative term for the obverse’s bearded figure will be proposed.

Rome and Human Sacrifices

Péter Kapi — 2023-05-22

This study examines how the Romans judged the custom of human sacrifices at the end of the Republic and during the Principate. The beginning of the study focuses on the period when Romans still practiced human sacrifices. Following this is an examination of Strabo’s, Diodorus’ and Caesar’s descriptions concerning Celtic human sacrifices. At the end of the study, the question is posed whether these authors were independent or not. The theory of J. J. Tierney is also scrutinized. Regarding Caesar’s account, it is also proposed that he may have been more independent of Posidonius’ description than scholars believe, and thus his description seems less suitable for reconstructing Posidonius’ work.

Bellum ad Danuvinus limes: The Self-Representation of Emperor Gallienus’ Power (253–268) through Coinage from the Mints at Segestica and Viminacium

David Serrano Ordozgoiti — 2023-05-22

In the following article we propose to reconstruct, through the numismatic record, the image of power shaped in the mints of Segestica and Viminacium by the emperor Gallienus (253-268). After a brief historical introduction, we will first examine the two mints in question, and then go on to statistically analyse their numismatic production: the denominations used, the most frequently repeated reverse legends, the divinities most involved in numismatic propaganda, the most frequently used configuration of the emperor’s image on the reverse and finally, the most common reverse types related to the army and the triumph. We will see how much of the emperor’s propaganda effort is focused on promoting Gallienus as a battle-hardened and victorious general, his legions as loyal to his figure and the lasting peace that his campaigns bring to the Danubian limes and adjacent regions.

Economic and Legal Minorization in the Late Roman Empire on the Example of Late Roman Colonate

Marek Todorov — 2023-05-22

The paper deals with the issue of the economic and legal minorization in Late Antiquity, or in another words, it deals with the processes of losing both the legal rights and economic wellbeing. The main focus of this paper is on the people under the Late Roman colonate. The coloni were among those, that were most definitely under the influence of minorization. The evidence presented in the paper suggest that in the Late Roman Empire the coloni were gradually losing their economic and legal status, often with the help of the powerful landlords, that sought to increase their own influence, sometimes even on the expense of other social groups, that lived in the Roman countryside.

The Art of Praise in the ‘Argonautica-Syncrisis’ at the Beginning of Claudian’s Bellum Geticum

Nora Kohlhofer — 2023-05-22

Techniques of praise in Claudian’s panegyric epics have been broadly debated. Similes and comparisons are an essential part of the concept of his poems. Comparative elements may influence the characterization as well as the praise of the addressees and have so far only been briefly discussed. This paper addresses on the proem of Bellum Geticum, the so-called ‘Argonautica- Syncrisis’. It aims to look at the techniques of depiction and praise through this passage, where Claudian takes up the myth of the Argonauts to illustrate and exaggerate the character traits and deeds of his protagonist. Furthermore, whether the myth is used to influence the recipient’s perspective is examined. The primary focus lies on the depiction of Tiphys as the helmsman and conqueror of the Symplegades as well as its impact on the characterization and praise of the protagonist Stilicho.

Pompa and Praise in Claudianʼs Panegyrics on the Third, Fourth and Sixth Consulship of Honorius

Sally Baumann — 2023-05-22

The paper deals with three representations of pompae (processions) within Claudian ʼs Panegyrics on the Third, Fourth and Sixth Consulate of Honorius. The depictions of two adventus (Claud. 3 cons. Hon. 125sqq.; Claud. 6 cons. Hon. 543sqq.) and one processus consularis (Claud. 4 cons. Hon. 565sqq.) are examined with regard to content, form, and function and subsequently compared. The comparison shows that all three pompa-passages share common features. These similarities form a design concept through which the passages are connected. At the same time, in terms of length, formal features as well as aspects of content a development can be observed in the adventus-passage in 6 cons. Hon. Honorius, here, outgrows the former versions of himself, represented in Claud. 3 cons. Hon. and Claud. 4 cons. Hon. Similarly, the poet Claudian surpasses himself on a poetic level.

Venantius Fortunatus as an Aulic Poet

Dóra Kintli — 2023-05-22

This paper examines Venantius Fortunatus’s aulic stand in two of his carmens: an epithalamium written for king Sigibert’s wedding with the Visigoth princess Brunchild (Carm. 6.1), and a consolation written for the death of Galswinth, Brunchild’s sister, who married to Sigibert’s brother, and died tragically under suspicious circumstances (Carm. 6.5). Both poems were written for the Austrasian court with a political motivation behind; therefore the question arises, whether Fortunatus could preserve his integrity, and what kind of messages he conveyed through literary allusions and rhetorical tools.

The Citations of Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica in Angelo Poliziano’s Unpublished Hand Notes to Virgil’s Aeneid

Lorenzo Vespoli — 2023-05-22

As far as scholars know from the available evidence, Angelo Poliziano’s academic activity in the Studium of Florence did not include a course specifically devoted to Apollonius Rhodius. This paper offers a survey of the citations from Apollonius Rhodius’ Argonautica in Poliziano’s hand notes to the Aeneid, transmitted by the incunabulum Paris, BNF, Rés. G. Yc. 236, to provide new information for further research both on the humanist’s interest in the Hellenistic poem and, more generally, on the Apollonian reception in the Renaissance.

The Description of the Siege of Székesfehérvár by Wolfgang Lazius.

Krisztina Bránya — 2023-05-22

The siege of Székesfehérvár in 1543 that lead to the city’s one-century-long Turkish occupation was narrated by Johannes Martinus Stella (an Italian soldier), Miklós Istvánffy (the most famous Hungarian historian of the 16th century), and György Szerémi (a Hungarian priest working under János Szapolyai). The former two mainly focused on the events of the siege, while the latter used the 15th century’s religious conflict as a focus point. A common point in all of their works is that they all briefly mention György Varkocs, the captain of Székesfehérvár. On the contrary, the historian of Ferdinand I, Wolfgang Lazius devotes the part dealing with the siege of Székesfehérvár in his monumental historical work to writing an obituary to György Varkocs. In my presentation I show how did Wolfgang Lazius use the siege’s events that were appropriately narrated by the aforementioned authors, to hide a well-written oratio funebris of György Varkocs in the historical description of the siege of Székesfehérvár.

Desiring the Transcendent – Plato’s Eros and Eighteenth-Century Notions Concerning the Affections of the Sublime

Tamás Baranyi — 2023-05-22

Most scholars agree that eighteenth-century notions of the sublime stem from antiquity, seeking its origins in Pseudo-Longinus’ famous tractate On the Sublime. The objective of the present study is to highlight a less discussed viewpoint as described more recently by James I. Porter, which argues that the aforementioned theories have more to do with ancient Platonic conceptions regarding intelligible beauty than Longinus’ rhetorical analysis of ὕψος. Plato’s Phaedrus and the Symposium are the most frequently mentioned dialogues to support this theory, focusing mainly on divine beauty and its parallels with eighteenth-century descriptions of the sublime. In this article I would like to approach the question from a somewhat different perspective: eros. Is it possible to find parallels between early modern accounts of emotions accompanying the sublime experience and Plato’s notions on erotic mania?

Impact of the Greek Diaspora on Translations of Modern Greek Literature in Slovakia

Renáta Mokošová — 2023-05-22

This paper presents some of the results of a PhD research concerning translations of Modern Greek literature into Slovak language. It will focus on the comparison of the translation activities in Slovak and Czech Republic. It is a well-known fact that there is an abysmal difference between the Czech and Slovak translation situation for what Modern Greek literature concerns. After the defeat of the communists in Greece in 1949, Czechoslovakia received thousands of Greek citizens who were stationed only in cities of the Czech part of the country. The first lectorate of Modern Greek was established at the Charles University in Prague in order to educate Greek children in their mother tongue. Textbooks and dictionaries in Czech language were published to help Greeks integrate themselves in the new environment. The situation in the Slovak part of Czechoslovakia was diametrically different. The absence of a Greek diaspora had a significant impact on Modern Greek studies and hence the production of translations from Modern Greek literature into Slovak.

‘Named After the Great Odysseus’:

Alexander Vandewalle — 2023-05-22

The recent video game Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is one of the most elaborate popular re-interpretations of classical antiquity. Known for its lavishly detailed simulations of historical settings and events, the game is set during the first nine years of the Peloponnesian War (431–422 BC). But why is it called Odyssey? This paper aims to show the connections and similarities between the game and Homer’s Odyssey, by drawing attention to the game’s underlying story structure (which places the game within a large video game tradition of odyssey-like quest-adventures), its specific narrative and world design (which contains various references to the Homeric texts), and its main character (who may be considered as a reflection of Odysseus, due to their similar actions and shared characteristics).