In the poem De reditu vv. 115-116 Rutilius Namatianus does not describe a rebirth of Rome, but rather its metamorphosis similar to that of Daphne in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Under this interpretation, the reading recinge transmitted by all manuscripts is being defended and preferred to several conjectures, such as refinge or retinge; the compound word re-cingere does not mean here “to gird on / to wreathe again”, which is suggested by many scholars, but not attested, except for two occurrences in Ammianus with a military meaning. Instead, it retains the proper meaning of “ungird”, “undress”, which best suits the metaphorical depiction of Rome here portrayed both as a woman (urbs personified and goddess) and a laurel tree; like Daphne, Rome changes her hair (taking off a robe) into green locks (the foliage).
Le verdi chiome di Roma. Nota a Rut. Nam. I 115-116
LAGIOIA, ALESSANDRO
2014-01-01
Abstract
In the poem De reditu vv. 115-116 Rutilius Namatianus does not describe a rebirth of Rome, but rather its metamorphosis similar to that of Daphne in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Under this interpretation, the reading recinge transmitted by all manuscripts is being defended and preferred to several conjectures, such as refinge or retinge; the compound word re-cingere does not mean here “to gird on / to wreathe again”, which is suggested by many scholars, but not attested, except for two occurrences in Ammianus with a military meaning. Instead, it retains the proper meaning of “ungird”, “undress”, which best suits the metaphorical depiction of Rome here portrayed both as a woman (urbs personified and goddess) and a laurel tree; like Daphne, Rome changes her hair (taking off a robe) into green locks (the foliage).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
