Persius and Rhetoric an Episode of Scholastic Recitatio

Abstract

Rhetorical education, as is well known, represents a fundamental stage in the scholastic training of young people in the imperial age. The Latin poet Aulus Persius Flaccus (34–62 AD) certainly also devoted himself to such studies, as can be seen from his Saturae (Pers. 3, 44–47) and the Vita Persi 6, which, although presenting itself as the result of numerous interpolations and stratifications, represents the only ancient testimony so far known that can offer a complete overview of the biographical events of Persius. Starting from this brief premise, the purpose of my paper will be to attempt to advance a new proposed reading of a controversial passage from the Vita Persi placed in the section devoted to Persius’ friendships and acquaintances (Vita Persi 13), in order to investigate not only the debated relationship between Persius and recitatory practice, but also the relationship he entertained with his contemporary Marcus Anneus Lucanus (39–65 AD) during his years of scholastic training under the philosopher Lucius Anneus Cornutus (1st century AD).