Dr. Casper de Jonge, Professor Greek Language and Literature, Leiden University
Part of the NYU Department of Classics’ Spring 2025 Speaker Series. In-person attendance at NYU Department of Classics (100 Washington Square East, Room 503A, New York, NY 10003). Non-NYU ID holders should email ancient.studies@nyu.edu for building access.
Abstract
“The Garland of Philip is an anthology of Greek poems that was compiled in the age of Nero (54-68 CE). It includes epigrams by at least 39 poets, many of whom were moving through the Roman Empire. Poets like Antipater of Thessalonica, Crinagoras of Mytilene and Diodorus of Sardes, who came from the Greek speaking world, seem to have found patronage in Italy. Sailing and voyages are prominent themes in the Garland of Philip. While depicting physical voyages to the capital of the Roman Empire, these poems invite the audience to reflect on processes of cultural translation and negotiation between Greece and Rome. The geographical emphasis on Greek literary and cultural lieux de mémoire suggests that one cannot arrive in Rome without Greek paideia.“