Vettius Agorius Praetextatus. A Senatorial Life in Between
The study aims to explore the lives of Roman senators, both pagan and Christian, within the cultural and religious atmosphere of fourth-century AD Rome, through the religious and intellectual activities of Vettius Agorius Praetextatus, as well as through his death and his “life” after death. This work should not be regarded as a biography of a “great man,” but rather as a path that unfolds through the image he offers of himself on different levels. The reconstruction of his life, career, and persona, based on the testimony of contemporary authors and on extensive epigraphic material, is carried out in constant comparison with that of other pagan or Christian senators of the same period.
Contents:
Introduction: Preliminary Remarks; A Senatorial Life. Religion as a Part of the Aristocratic Code of Life: Rome in the Fourth Century; The Peaceful Coexistence in Rome; Cults; Pagan Topography; Ideas and Connections; Praetextatus and Damasus. Cultural Pursuits: The Senatorial Otium Litteratum; Philosophical Studies; Values and Virtues. Death and Immortality: The Reactions to the Praetextatus’ Death; Christian Invective; Immortality. Saeculum Praetextati: Praetextatus in Macrobius’ Saturnalia: Macrobius’ Saturnalia; The Image of Praetextatus in Macrobius’ Saturnalia; Praetextatus’ Treatise on the Sun. A Holy Man for the Pagans?: Praetextatus and Holy Men in Antiquity; A Senatorial Life in Between. Appendix: Sources. Bibliography. Index of Names. General Index. Index Locorum.
