An Introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica

Description

In a much-needed comprehensive introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica, Jacobs offers an invitation to students and scholars alike to read the epic as a thoughtful and considered treatment of Rome’s past, present, and (perilous) future. The Second Punic War marked a turning point in world history: Rome faced her greatest external threat in the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal, and her victory led to her domination of the Mediterranean. Lingering memories of the conflict played a pivotal role in the city’s transition from Republic to Empire, from foreign war to civil war. Looking back after the events of AD 69, the senator–poet Silius Italicus identified the Second Punic War as the turning point in Rome’s history through his Punica. After introductory chapters for those new to the poet and his poem, Jacobs’ close reading of the epic narrative guides students and scholars alike through the Punica. All Greek and Latin passages are translated to ensure accessibility for those reading in English. Far more than simply a retelling of Rome’s greatest triumph, the Punica challenges its reader to make sense of the Second Punic War in light of its full impact on the subsequent course of the city’s history. Cover page Halftitle page Series page Title page Copyright page Dedication Contents Maps Preface Acknowledgments Note on Text/Translation Note on Bibliography Abbreviations Maps Introduction: Why Silius? 1. Poggio and the Rediscovery of the Punica 2. Who Is Silius Italicus, What Is the Punica, and What Is the Punica About? 3. What Is the Place of Silius Italicus and the Punica in the Classics? 4. How to Read the Punica 5. About this Book 1 Who Is Tiberius Catius Asconius Silius Italicus? 1. Introduction: The Julio-Claudians and the Flavians (31 bc–ad 96) 2. Overview of the Testimonia for Tiberius Catius Asconius Silius Italicus 3. Silius Italicus and Martial 4. Silius Italicus and Pliny 5. Conclusion: Pliny Epistula 3.7 as a Reading of the Punica 2 What Is the Punica? 1. Introduction: The Punic Wars (264–146 bc) 2. The Punica and the Second Punic War 3. The Punica and the Historiographical Tradition 4. The Punica and the Epic Tradition 5. Conclusion: The Language and Style of the Punica 3 A Reading of Punica 1–10: From Saguntum to Cannae 1. Introduction: The Structure of the Punica 2. Punica 1.1–20: The Proem 3. Punica 1–5: From Saguntum to Lake Trasimene 4. Punica 6–10: From Lake Trasimene to Cannae 5. Punica 10.657–8: The Turning Point 4 A Reading of Punica 11–17: From Cannae to Zama 1. Punica 11.1–27: The Medial Proem 2. Punica 11–15: From Cannae to the Metaurus River 3. Punica 16–17: From the Metaurus River to Zama 4. Punica 17.625–54: The (Beginning of the) End 5. Conclusion: The Narrative of the Punica 5 Carthage and Rome in the Punica, Part 1 1. Introduction: Cities and Heroes 2. The Gigantomachy Theme 3. The Fall of Troy Theme 4. The Gallic Sack Theme 5. Conclusion: Marcellus, Closure, and Counterfactual History 6 Carthage and Rome in the Punica, Part 2 1. Introduction: From the Second Punic War to the Flavians 2. The Curse of Dido Theme 3. The metus hostilis Theme 4. From Republic to Empire, from Foreign War to Civil War 5. Conclusion: From the Triumph of Scipio to the Triumph of Domitian Conclusion: Silius Italicus and the Punica in Classical Literature 1. The Place of Silius Italicus and the Punica in Classical Literature 2. The Punica and Earlier Literature: Livy and Vergil 3. The Punica and Contemporary Literature: Lucan and Petronius 4. The Punica and Later Literature: Florus, Ampelius, and the De viris illustribus 5. Petrarch Africa and the Rediscovery of the Punica Notes Bibliography Index