Latin Epics of the New Testament: Juvencus, Sedulius, AratorLatin Epics of the New Testament is about the growth of Christianity, and in particular the challenge of engaging with the Roman intellectual elite and its highly sophisticated Graeco-Roman tradition. In this culture epics like those of Vergil and Lucan were highly valued for their language, their 'heroic' themes, and their Rome-centred ideologies. Roger Green examines each of these epics in detail, showing how the three authors Juvencus, Sedulius, and Arator repackage the New Testament as epic, and try to make a bridge between two very different cultures. He explores the fascinating questions of how these authors exploit epic themes such as gods, heroes, war, and fate, without playing down the very real theological concerns of their times. All these poets were popular in the Middle Ages and later, and are the pioneers of poetry that leads to Renaissance epic and the famous poems of John Milton. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 75
Page 5
... fact discontinued on coins from 324, although admittedly it continues in inscriptions, less easily subjected to central control.23 To eschew the title of dominus was a measure likely to win fame and favour.24 But in the immediate ...
... fact discontinued on coins from 324, although admittedly it continues in inscriptions, less easily subjected to central control.23 To eschew the title of dominus was a measure likely to win fame and favour.24 But in the immediate ...
Page 7
... fact that there are several dates around the time which refer to 'geistiges Leben';35 presumably he and Orba ́n, who borrows his exact words,36 imply by this observation that the precision may be deceptive. Jerome may have placed such ...
... fact that there are several dates around the time which refer to 'geistiges Leben';35 presumably he and Orba ́n, who borrows his exact words,36 imply by this observation that the precision may be deceptive. Jerome may have placed such ...
Page 8
... fact that he never uses more than this one passage should not be seen as a sign of disapprobation; it could equally well be construed as a particular tribute. As with most writers of antiquity, little store should be set on the fact ...
... fact that he never uses more than this one passage should not be seen as a sign of disapprobation; it could equally well be construed as a particular tribute. As with most writers of antiquity, little store should be set on the fact ...
Page 17
... fact that the common theme of the 'praise of the ruler' is not present until the Epilogue—though there is a danger of speaking as if Juvencus felt obliged to include all the usual themes and shunts them around more or less mechanically ...
... fact that the common theme of the 'praise of the ruler' is not present until the Epilogue—though there is a danger of speaking as if Juvencus felt obliged to include all the usual themes and shunts them around more or less mechanically ...
Page 18
... fact. Choosing his words carefully, he declares that the fame enjoyed by the sublimia facta of men and the glory of their virtue will be longlasting but not permanent; so too the works of their poets, whose glory is similar to eternal ...
... fact. Choosing his words carefully, he declares that the fame enjoyed by the sublimia facta of men and the glory of their virtue will be longlasting but not permanent; so too the works of their poets, whose glory is similar to eternal ...
Contents
1 | |
2 Sedulius | 135 |
3 Arator | 251 |
4 Reception and Influence | 351 |
Conclusion | 373 |
Appendix 1 Juvencus and the Text of the New Testament | 385 |
Appendix 2 The Official Record of the Presentation of the Historia Apostolica | 391 |
Bibliography | 393 |
Index of Passages | 419 |
General Index | 432 |
Other editions - View all
Latin Epics of the New Testament:Juvencus, Sedulius, Arator: Juvencus ... Roger P. H. Green No preview available - 2006 |
Common terms and phrases
Acts Aeneas allusion already appear Arator Arator’s baptism begins Book called century certainly Christ Christian classical clear clearly close common context death described detail direct disciples divine early epic episode especially evidence example explain expression fact follows given gives gospels Greek healing heaven Herzog implied important influence interesting interpretation Italy Jesus John Juvencus kind known later Latin least less letter light Lucan Luke manuscripts Mark Matt meaning mentioned miracles narrative original paraphrase particular passage Paul perhaps Peter phrase poem poetic poets possible present problem Prudentius question quoted readers reason recalls reference rhetorical Roberts Rome says Schwind scripture Sedulius seems seen sense shows similar speak speech spiritual story suggested taken Testament theme theological things tradition various Vergil Vergilian verse words writing