Description
Book SynopsisGreco-Roman martial epic poetry, from Homer and Virgil to Neronian and Flavian epic, is obsessed with the treatment of dead bodies. This book provides an extensive survey and analysis of corpse mistreatment and funeral violation in Latin epic poetry, thereby enabling a fundamental re-evaluation of violence and warfare.
Trade Review'… M.'s thoroughly researched and authoritative study is undoubtedly a very valuable contribution to the field and will be of interest mainly to readers already familiar with the epics of Lucan, Statius, Valerius Flaccus and Silius Italicus.' Giles Gilbert, Classics for All
'… energetic and creative … an excellent review of the poets' historical circumstances, which may account for some of the differences in their approach to corpse abuse.' Neil Bernstein, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Table of ContentsPreface; Notes on texts and abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Setting the stage: corpse abuse in Homer and Virgil; 2. Decapitation in Lucan, Statius, and Silius Italicus; 3. Unburied past: Lucan's Bellum ciuile; 4. Argonautic abuses: Valerius Flaccus' (and Apollonius') Argonautica; 5. Funeral 'rights': Statius' Thebaid; 6. Grave encounters: Silius Italicus' Punica; Epilogue: a post mortem; Bibliography; Index locorum; General index.
