Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Sixth-century Greek book epigrams can offer insights into debates and ideas present in their historical context, also into the shaping of a Christian polity. Through a case study of two epigrams, this article explores how these pointed and playful compositions parody and subvert imperial discourse thanks to intertextual allusions to Justinian’s legislation, chiefly his Novellae. The first epigram (AP XI.238) is an example of criticism on administrative decisions, namely the appointment of an official, probably John the Cappadocian, by the emperor. The second epigram (AP V.302) shows farther-reaching criticism on Justinian’s legal and moral reforms regarding marriage and sexual behaviour; it emphasises that sexual gratification is not possible anymore in the society reshaped by the emperor.
Source: Revista de Estudios Bizantinos
Author: Oriol Febrer
Institution: Leiden University
Language: English
Subfield: Classics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405829001