The Poetry Of Statius

Statius, Poet Between Rome and Naples

This book examines the poetry of Statius (c. 40-96 AD), in relation to significant social and cultural issues of his day, in particular shifting attitudes to Hellenism, gender and Roman imperialism. It also discusses the reception of Statius' poetry in the Middle Ages, when his reputation was at its zenith. Medieval interpretations of Statius' epics suggest that their popularity rested in part on the prominence they give to female action and the female voice, thus suggesting new expressive and generic possibilities.

The Poetry of Statius

The Roman poet P. Papinius Statius (ca. 45-96) is the author of two epics (the "Thebaid" and the unfinished "Achilleid") and a large corpus of occasional verse ("Silvae"). This poetry, long seen as derivative or decadent, is increasingly appreciated for the daring and originality of its responses both to the Greek and Latin literary tradition and to the contemporary Roman world. This volume offers the papers delivered at a symposium on Statius (Amsterdam 2005) by leading scholars in the field from Europe and North America. These papers demonstrate the fascination of Statius' poetry on account of the poet's vast knowledge of Greek and Latin tragedy, his rapid narrative, psychological acumen, brilliant eulogies, and pessimistic views on gods and men. The focus of the collection is on literary technique in the "Thebaid," on socio-historical aspects of the "Silvae," and on the reception of Statius in European literature and scholarship.

Silvae