- Delfim F. Leão is Full Professor at the Institute of Classical Studies and researcher at the Centre for Classical and... moreDelfim F. Leão is Full Professor at the Institute of Classical Studies and researcher at the Centre for Classical and Humanistic Studies at the University of Coimbra. His main areas of scientific interest are ancient history, law and political theory of the Greeks, theatrical pragmatics, and the ancient novel. He also has a deep interest in Digital Humanities. He has published more than 150 works in international journals, books and book chapters.
Among his main works are D. F. Leão, E. M. Harris, and P. J. Rhodes (eds.), Law and Drama in Ancient Greece (Duckworth, London, 2010); D. F. Leão, and F. Frazier (eds.), Tychè et pronoia. La marche du monde selon Plutarque (Coimbra and Paris, 2010); and D. F. Leão and P. J. Rhodes, The laws of Solon. A new edition, with introduction, translation and commentary (I.B. Tauris, London, 2015).
Other scientific and professional activities include the development of two specialized digital platforms: the Classica Digitalia and the UC Digitalis. He is (2011-) the Director of Coimbra University Press, and has been (2011-2014) the President of the Portuguese Association of Higher Education Presses. He also is currently the Coordinator of the Centre for Classical and Humanistic Studies at the University of Coimbra (2014-), and coeditor of “Brill’s Plutarch Studies” (http://www.brill.com/products/series/brills-plutarch-studies).edit
Following the path of Popova’s (2015) enactive approach to narrative, this inquiry focuses on two clusters of metaphors around which Herodo- tus organized his perceptions about isonomia and demokratia: the cognitive and the pragmatic. In-... more
Following the path of Popova’s (2015) enactive approach to narrative, this inquiry focuses on two clusters of metaphors around which Herodo- tus organized his perceptions about isonomia and demokratia: the cognitive and the pragmatic. In- stead of highlighting differences between isonomia and demokratia, we wish to evince cumulative in- teractions between both concepts, a process that allows us to make sense of one — demokratia — through the other — isonomia. This approach is also helpful to transpose ancient meditations upon democracy to contemporary contexts not because ancient and contemporary democracies look sim- ilar, but because those meditations are constituentparts of the democracy-metaphors we currently live by, and whose roots one can see in the attributes Herodotus ascribed to it in III 80-82 and V 66-73.
Research Interests:
Diogenes Laertius is one of the major sources for the laws of Solon, with no less than 14 (usually small) references: frs. 4a, 38g, 66/1e, 89/1b, 104b, 123c, 131–5, 144c, 145, and 149 LEÃO & RHODES. Similarly to the other principal... more
Diogenes Laertius is one of the major sources for the laws of Solon, with no less than 14 (usually small) references: frs. 4a, 38g, 66/1e, 89/1b, 104b, 123c, 131–5, 144c, 145, and 149 LEÃO & RHODES. Similarly to the other principal sources, he also provides important information about several poems composed by Solon (frs. 2, 3, 9, 10, 11 and 20 WEST), whose preservation is in two cases owed to him alone (frs. 10 and 20). Notwithstanding, Diogenes tends to be rather underappreciated as a provider of historically accurate and valuable data. This paper intends to analyse more in detail each one of those pieces of information, in order to examine the degree of reliability of Diogenes in what pertains to the poetic and the legal work of the most famous sophos from antiquity.
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Throughout the Lives and the Moralia, Plutarch regularly mentions the work, the activity or even the exemplum of Demetrius, both as a source of information on others and as a very stimulating character per se. From those passages emerges... more
Throughout the Lives and the Moralia, Plutarch regularly mentions the
work, the activity or even the exemplum of Demetrius, both as a source of
information on others and as a very stimulating character per se. From those passages emerges the figure of Demetrius as the intellectual, the politician and the legislator, and finally that of the expatriate fallen in disgrace, who was nevertheless able to recover his vitality and influence in the court of the Ptolemies.
work, the activity or even the exemplum of Demetrius, both as a source of
information on others and as a very stimulating character per se. From those passages emerges the figure of Demetrius as the intellectual, the politician and the legislator, and finally that of the expatriate fallen in disgrace, who was nevertheless able to recover his vitality and influence in the court of the Ptolemies.
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The paper focuses primarily on the characters of Giton and Eumolpos, who are two of the most curious Petronian inventions. The analysis of their behaviour and style provides us with a clarifying example of the care taken by Petronius in... more
The paper focuses primarily on the characters of Giton and Eumolpos, who are two of the most curious Petronian inventions. The analysis of their behaviour and style provides us with a clarifying example of the care taken by Petronius in the construction of the main characters of the Satyricon and of the different levels of reading that he intentionally created, through the confluence in a single character of multiple lines deriving from literary and cultural tradition.
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Throughout the "Alcestis", and particularly in the tense relationship between Pheres and his son Admetus, who accuse each other of cowardice, Euripides explores in a very impressive way the limits and contradictions originating in the... more
Throughout the "Alcestis", and particularly in the tense relationship between Pheres and his son Admetus, who accuse each other of cowardice, Euripides explores in a very impressive way the limits and contradictions originating in the reciprocal principles of 'paidotrophia' and 'gerotrophia'. The aim of this study is to examine the way in which this Euripidean tragedy may improve our understanding of the ethical and legal limits deriving from the application of these juridical concepts and how they shaped the mutual obligations of the persons living in the same oikos.
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The study focuses on the life of Augustus by Suetonius, the most complete literary source on the emperor and also the longest Suetonian biography. It analyses the way the author organizes the narrative, selects events and addresses his... more
The study focuses on the life of Augustus by Suetonius, the most complete literary source on the emperor and also the longest Suetonian biography. It analyses the way the author organizes the narrative, selects events and addresses his main topics in order to depict a strongly ideological portrait of Augustus.
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Plutarch’s works — and especially the Life of Solon — are a major source for recovering of Solon’s laws. However, the biographer does not limit himself to be a simple transmitter of Solon’s legal activity: on the contrary, he comments as... more
Plutarch’s works — and especially the Life of Solon — are a major source for recovering of Solon’s laws. However, the biographer does not limit himself to be a simple transmitter of Solon’s legal activity: on the contrary, he comments as well on the consistency and importance of the material he is providing (sometimes for the first time and as the sole existing testimony). This paper intends to analyse the reliability of Plutarch as a legal source, taking as direct reference the laws of Solon recorded by him and considering especially those moments when he praises a regulation or on the contrary voices criticism, in order to perceive if that approach is consistent with the general scrutiny he applies to Solon’s legal activity.
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Throughout his life, Solon intervened at different times in the Athenian political scene, usually against a backdrop of great instability. The image of a serious statesman would have contributed to making him a very popular figure and... more
Throughout his life, Solon intervened at different times in the Athenian political scene, usually against a backdrop of great instability. The image of a serious statesman would have contributed to making him a very popular figure and helps to make the tradition believable that he would have energetically, though without success, opposed the implementation of tyranny in Athens by Pisistratus. The way in which he did it, as well as the symbolism which went along with some of his gestures, helped in creating consistency in the image of the sophos, that same image posterity would use to immortalize him, turning him into one the most paradigmatic and interesting personalities of the cycle of the Seven Sages.
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A tradição lendária sobre as origens de Roma. A crítica da tradição literária e o confronto com os dados da arqueologia. A Monarquia romana: os sete reis da tradição e os principais feitos a eles atribuídos. Caraterísticas da Monarquia... more
A tradição lendária sobre as origens de Roma. A crítica da
tradição literária e o confronto com os dados da arqueologia. A Monarquia romana: os sete reis da tradição e os principais feitos a eles atribuídos. Caraterísticas da Monarquia romana e sua evolução. Instituições sociais e políticas que tiveram
origem na época monárquica.
tradição literária e o confronto com os dados da arqueologia. A Monarquia romana: os sete reis da tradição e os principais feitos a eles atribuídos. Caraterísticas da Monarquia romana e sua evolução. Instituições sociais e políticas que tiveram
origem na época monárquica.
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The preserved part of the Satyricon develops its plot around three large spaces marked by Greek influence in the Roman world and by the impulse to travel, while at the same time being crossed by the dynamics of tension between open and... more
The preserved part of the Satyricon develops its plot around three large spaces marked by Greek influence in the Roman world and by the impulse to travel, while at the same time being crossed by the dynamics of tension between open and closed space, and by the presence of dominant characters: the Graeca urbs, where the first
part of the narrative is set, under the control of the freedman Trimalchio; the immense sea furrowed by the ship of the crude Lichas; the unashamed sterility of Crotona, where the old poet Eumolpus gets the better over the mob of 'heredipetae'. The objective of this study is to examine how the crossing of different sensitivities reflects the worldview of the Roman Empire, while accentuating, on the other hand, a sense of collapsing identity.
and of insecurity, emphasized by the oscillation between open and closed spaces.
part of the narrative is set, under the control of the freedman Trimalchio; the immense sea furrowed by the ship of the crude Lichas; the unashamed sterility of Crotona, where the old poet Eumolpus gets the better over the mob of 'heredipetae'. The objective of this study is to examine how the crossing of different sensitivities reflects the worldview of the Roman Empire, while accentuating, on the other hand, a sense of collapsing identity.
and of insecurity, emphasized by the oscillation between open and closed spaces.
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ABSTRACT In several studies on the interpretation of the term 'politeuma', Patrick Sänger argues that it has three basic meanings: (a) 'political act', (b) 'citizenry' or 'active citizenry', and (c) 'polity' and thus 'state' (in origin... more
ABSTRACT In several studies on the interpretation of the term 'politeuma', Patrick Sänger argues that it has three basic meanings: (a) 'political act', (b) 'citizenry' or 'active citizenry', and (c) 'polity' and thus 'state' (in origin polis), sometimes having the connotation 'constitution'. Although the interpretation of the word can be traced back at least to Aristotle, it is generally acknowledged that its basic meanings can be found as well in Hellenistic and Roman literature, sometimes even used side by side. Taking into account the epoch in which Plutarch wrote his work and the wide chronological period that it covers (especially the Lives), it can be expected that Plutarch might be a very illustrative guide for the use of the term 'politeuma'. The word occurs in fact 75 times throughout his work (with 63 occurrences in the Lives and 12 in the Moralia). In most cases, it is used only once or twice in a single biography or in a piece of the Moralia. There are, however, three exceptions to this global pattern: the Lives of Lycurgus and Numa (including the Comparatio), which concentrate 12 occurrences; those of Agis/Cleomenes and Tiberius/Gaius Gracchus (plus the Comparatio) with 13; finally, and from the Moralia, the An seni respublica gerenda sit, with 5 passages. This paper discusses the way Plutarch combines text and context, namely the way the concept of 'politeuma' works in the context in which it is used throughout the Lives and the Moralia.
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Taking as reference the rich semantic field of polis-related terms (Πολιεύς, πολιτικός, πολιτεία, πολίτης, πολιτεύω/πολιτεύομαι, πολίτευμα) in the treatise An seni respublica gerenda sit, this study analyses the way Plutarch explores the... more
Taking as reference the rich semantic field of polis-related terms (Πολιεύς, πολιτικός, πολιτεία, πολίτης, πολιτεύω/πολιτεύομαι, πολίτευμα) in the treatise
An seni respublica gerenda sit, this study analyses the way Plutarch explores the wide range of meanings covered by those words and interweaves them, thus
producing a coherent ‘conceptual iconography’ that depicts the portrait of how old men should engage in politics.
An seni respublica gerenda sit, this study analyses the way Plutarch explores the wide range of meanings covered by those words and interweaves them, thus
producing a coherent ‘conceptual iconography’ that depicts the portrait of how old men should engage in politics.
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The group of the Seven Sages in the Septem Sapientium Convivium includes a number of figures whose presence is problematic due to their association with autocratic power. Although the invitation to the meeting was sent out by the tyrant... more
The group of the Seven Sages in the Septem Sapientium Convivium includes a number of figures whose presence is problematic due to their association with autocratic power. Although the invitation to the meeting was sent out by the tyrant Periander, he is nevertheless eliminated from the central core of the Sages. This decision may be justified, in the first place, by the fact that he is a tyrant and that there is a deep animosity towards this form of government in the Convivium. Nevertheless, Periander was expected to fulfil a more important function in his capacity as host, but, contrary to this scenario, his presence begins to recede, especially once the eulogy of the democratic system starts, to the point that the honour of closing the banquet falls to Solon. Even so, Pittacus has ruled over the destinies of Mytilene as an aesymnetes and
continues to figure among the sophoi, and the same can be said of Cleoboulus, the autocrat of Lindos. Taking these factors into account, I propose to discuss in this paper the reason why
Pittacus and Cleoboulus were able to remain as sophoi, while Periander ended up being relegated to a secondary place.
continues to figure among the sophoi, and the same can be said of Cleoboulus, the autocrat of Lindos. Taking these factors into account, I propose to discuss in this paper the reason why
Pittacus and Cleoboulus were able to remain as sophoi, while Periander ended up being relegated to a secondary place.
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This paper analyzes some of Solon’s verses (frgs. 9,1-2 and 12 West) transmitted by Plutarch, in the Vita Solonis, as well as the comments made by the biographer on the structural meaning of these compositions in what respects the... more
This paper analyzes some of Solon’s verses (frgs. 9,1-2 and 12 West) transmitted by Plutarch, in the Vita Solonis, as well as the comments made by the biographer on the structural meaning of these compositions in what respects the ‘simplistic’ philosophical thinking of the Athenian poet. Along with frg. 9, also frgs. 10 and 11 West are presented in their testimonies as warnings against the tyranny of Pisistratus. That the idea of tyranny was very present in Solon’s poetry is undisputed, even if his feelings towards this form of government are not always unambiguous. Taking as a backdrop the notion of tyranny as a ‘forceful way or ruling’, a new explanation is proposed to the image of the undisturbed quietness of the sea’s surface, which Solon describes in frg. 12,2 as δικαιοτάτη: ‘the most righteous’, ‘the most just’ or ‘the most calm’.
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This paper focuses on a legal approach to the motivations that lie behind the tragic outcome of Euripides’ Medea. No attempt will be made in order to absolve or condemn entirely the conduct of Medea or Jason — a task that would be... more
This paper focuses on a legal approach to the motivations that lie behind the tragic outcome of Euripides’ Medea. No attempt will be made in order to absolve or condemn entirely the conduct of Medea or Jason — a task that would be impossible in the way Euripides conceived those characters. The main purpose of the paper is to discuss and analyze some of the legal circumstances that, together with ethical, religious, cultural and esthetic factors, may have contributed to the way the original Athenian audience perceived the drama.
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Although the tradition of the Seven Wise Men typically presents us with an Erwartungshorizont where the sophoi reflect the sensibility of a more privileged part of the population (they are generally men, Greeks and aristocrats), it was... more
Although the tradition of the Seven Wise Men typically
presents us with an Erwartungshorizont where the sophoi reflect the sensibility of a more privileged part of the population (they are generally men, Greeks and aristocrats), it was still capable of self-interrogation and enriching itself with
new elements. It was in this way that it was possible to include a barbaros (Anacharsis) in its restricted circle of sapientes, as well as opening its meetings to the presence of an ex-slave (Aesop) and a young woman (Cleobouline). The concomitance of these different personalities in the Conuiuium Septem
Sapientium represents an interesting example of the way in which the “Other” can be welcomed into a highly eclectic group.
presents us with an Erwartungshorizont where the sophoi reflect the sensibility of a more privileged part of the population (they are generally men, Greeks and aristocrats), it was still capable of self-interrogation and enriching itself with
new elements. It was in this way that it was possible to include a barbaros (Anacharsis) in its restricted circle of sapientes, as well as opening its meetings to the presence of an ex-slave (Aesop) and a young woman (Cleobouline). The concomitance of these different personalities in the Conuiuium Septem
Sapientium represents an interesting example of the way in which the “Other” can be welcomed into a highly eclectic group.
Research Interests:
Orestes’ trial in this court obliged Aeschylus to articulate very different realities: the legacy of myth and earlier literary tradition, as they referred to the saga of Orestes; Attic constitutional history and the legal traditions... more
Orestes’ trial in this court obliged Aeschylus to articulate very different realities: the legacy of myth and earlier literary tradition, as they referred to the saga of Orestes; Attic constitutional history and the legal traditions current in the Athens of his own day; and a consciousness of certain recent
political measures, such as the reforms of Ephialtes and the murder of which he was a victim, hardly the norm for democratic standards. These factors, allied with the demands of the dramatic phenomenon itself, led him to introduce new ways of dealing with the myth and to alter some historical and procedural details. He did this, however, with a clear objective in mind: to link the end of Orestes’ wanderings to the foundation of the Areopagus, the most esteemed of Athenian courts. On examining the competencies which Athena attributed to the court, it seems reasonable to suggest that Aeschylus was not wholly hostile to Ephialtes’ measures. It is not necessary, however, to view this attitude as the sign of
a marked political ideology. The analysis of the historical and legal context of this dramatic production helps us to understand this reality and reinforces another one, the most important: the timelessness of the civilizational principles developed throughout this trilogy.
political measures, such as the reforms of Ephialtes and the murder of which he was a victim, hardly the norm for democratic standards. These factors, allied with the demands of the dramatic phenomenon itself, led him to introduce new ways of dealing with the myth and to alter some historical and procedural details. He did this, however, with a clear objective in mind: to link the end of Orestes’ wanderings to the foundation of the Areopagus, the most esteemed of Athenian courts. On examining the competencies which Athena attributed to the court, it seems reasonable to suggest that Aeschylus was not wholly hostile to Ephialtes’ measures. It is not necessary, however, to view this attitude as the sign of
a marked political ideology. The analysis of the historical and legal context of this dramatic production helps us to understand this reality and reinforces another one, the most important: the timelessness of the civilizational principles developed throughout this trilogy.
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This article begins with an analysis of the current state of scientific publication in Portugal, with reference to the impact of the open access (OA) policies of commercial and academic publishers. It then explores the relationship... more
This article begins with an analysis of the current state of scientific publication in Portugal, with reference to the impact of the open access (OA) policies of commercial and academic publishers. It then explores the relationship between academic publishing and institutional repositories, discussing the way they should complement one another, taking as reference the activities of the Portuguese Association of Higher Education Publishers (APEES). Final remarks deal more specifically with the UC Digitalis project from Coimbra University Press (CUP), and the way it is committed to the goal of fostering science produced in Portuguese-speaking countries.
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Although the terminology employed by Plutarch to express divine influence in human affairs varies a lot, the words tyche, daimon and theos are those that he uses most frequently. In this paper, special attention is given to the action of... more
Although the terminology employed by Plutarch to express divine influence in human affairs varies a lot, the words tyche, daimon and theos are those that he uses most frequently. In this paper, special attention is given to the action of tyche and other related concepts, precisely because they are attached mainly to fluid and unpredictable factors. The analysis focuses on the Life of Phocion, which is especially suitable for studying the way the power of divinity is exerted. Phocion had a good character as well as enjoying the benefits of a fine paideia, but despite these important qualities, he was neither capable of preventing Athens from being occupied by the Macedonian forces nor was he able to avoid his own capital punishment. Plutarch does not fail to point out that all this happens because Phocion did not live in a favorable time, and could therefore not exploit completely his own virtues. This notion of a ‘favorable time’ is explored in order to combine the concepts of kairos and chronos with that of tyche, as a means of justifying Phocion’s failures.
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Scholars who deal with the tradition of the Seven Sages are well aware of the fact that one has to wait until Plato’s Protagoras (343a) in order to have a first mention of a complete list of seven sophoi. This detail grants a special... more
Scholars who deal with the tradition of the Seven Sages are well aware of the fact that one has to wait until Plato’s Protagoras (343a) in order to have a first mention of a complete list of seven sophoi. This detail grants a special place to the testimony of Plato, but two more aspects should be added, although of a very different nature: the central role that he attributes to Solon among the Sages and the fact that he must have influenced Plutarch in imagining the Septem Sapientium Convivium. Taken as a whole, these three factors explain why Plato is usually an obligatory presence in discussions dealing with the Seven Sages. Although his contribution cannot be ignored, some scholars have pushed the argumentation too far, by asserting that the sophoi never existed as an assembled group before Plato, and that he was responsible for the creation of the concept of a sylloge of Seven Sages. With this paper, I intend to argue that the importance of Plato’s testimony is undeniable, although the weight attributed to it is not due to the radical novelty of what he says about the Sages, but more to the circumstance that it was Plato who wrote this testimony.
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Throughout his life, Solon intervened at different times in the Athenian political scene, usually against a backdrop of great instability. Such was the case when he found a way to skirt legal impediments and to exhort his fellow citizens... more
Throughout his life, Solon intervened at different times in the Athenian political scene,
usually against a backdrop of great instability. Such was the case when he found a way to skirt legal
impediments and to exhort his fellow citizens to recapture their own self-esteem, by exhibiting a
fainted mania while performing the elegy for Salamis. The playful character of Solon can also be
detected in the way he decided to label his first emblematic reform – the seisachtheia, the
revolutionary cancelling of debts, which he literally named as ‘shaking off of burdens’. This paper intends to discuss the way Plutarch displays some of his discrete irony even when depicting a statesman as serious and paradigmatic as Solon.
usually against a backdrop of great instability. Such was the case when he found a way to skirt legal
impediments and to exhort his fellow citizens to recapture their own self-esteem, by exhibiting a
fainted mania while performing the elegy for Salamis. The playful character of Solon can also be
detected in the way he decided to label his first emblematic reform – the seisachtheia, the
revolutionary cancelling of debts, which he literally named as ‘shaking off of burdens’. This paper intends to discuss the way Plutarch displays some of his discrete irony even when depicting a statesman as serious and paradigmatic as Solon.
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Some modern states defend that citizenship depends on a «territorial principle» (ius soli), i.e. that a child who was born in the territory of a certain state may acquire, ipso facto, the right of being citizen of that same state. Others,... more
Some modern states defend that citizenship depends on a «territorial principle» (ius soli), i.e. that a child who was born in the territory of a certain state may acquire, ipso facto, the right of being citizen of that same state. Others, on the contrary, sustain a «personal principle», which determines that citizenship is a direct heritage of the statutory situation of a child’s parents (ius sanguinis). Classical Athens, like other ancient Greek poleis, followed this second principle, but added to it an even stronger hereditary factor: Athenian citizens believed that their ancestors had always lived in Attica, that
they were autochthones - even that their ancestors were literally «sprung from the earth». This paper will focus on the development of this concept among Athenians and on the way it can be related to the ideology of Athenian democracy and to the concepts of inclusion and exclusion, taking as reference the idea of citizenship and the right of property concerning the Attic
soil (enktesis).
they were autochthones - even that their ancestors were literally «sprung from the earth». This paper will focus on the development of this concept among Athenians and on the way it can be related to the ideology of Athenian democracy and to the concepts of inclusion and exclusion, taking as reference the idea of citizenship and the right of property concerning the Attic
soil (enktesis).
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After debating the meaning of asebeia within the context of Greek religion, the author discusses the details concerning the scandals prior to the Sicilian expedition of 415: the mutilation of the Hermes and the representation of the... more
After debating the meaning of asebeia within the context of Greek religion, the author discusses the details concerning the scandals prior to the Sicilian expedition of 415: the mutilation of the Hermes and the representation of the Eleusinian
Eleusinian Mysteries. He seeks to examine the historical, political and religious background involving these events, especially in what concerns Alcibiades' role and Andocides' defense.
Eleusinian Mysteries. He seeks to examine the historical, political and religious background involving these events, especially in what concerns Alcibiades' role and Andocides' defense.
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Throughout this study, we seek to draw an exhaustive categorization of expressions of violence in the Satyricon of Petronius, and of forms of punishment and self‑punishment associated with aggressive behaviour. Although there are examples... more
Throughout this study, we seek to draw an exhaustive categorization of expressions of violence in the Satyricon of Petronius, and of forms of punishment and self‑punishment associated with aggressive behaviour. Although there are examples of violence caused by the elements of nature and by supernatural forces, the most frequent cases stem from the way humans act and relate to each other, with special focus on violent acts caused by reasons of a passionate nature.
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The first part of the study is devoted to the weight carried by Plato in the making of the tradition of the Seven Wise Men. In the second part, an approach is made to that same tradition in Diogenes Laertius, thereby in a stage when the... more
The first part of the study is devoted to the weight carried by Plato in the making of the tradition of the Seven Wise Men. In the second part, an approach is made to that same tradition in Diogenes Laertius, thereby in a stage when the main lines concerning the characterization of those personalities were already stabilized. The results of this process of crystallization are discussed taking as reference the way Diogenes depicts one of the most paradigmatic personalities of the group of sophoi: the Athenian legislator Solon.
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Following the path of Popova's (2015) enactive approach to narrative, this inquiry focuses on two clusters of metaphors around which Herodotus organized his perceptions about isonomia and demokratia: the cognitive and the pragmatic.... more
Following the path of Popova's (2015) enactive approach to narrative, this inquiry focuses on two clusters of metaphors around which Herodotus organized his perceptions about isonomia and demokratia: the cognitive and the pragmatic. Instead of highlighting differences between isonomia and demokratia, we wish to evince cumulative interactions between both concepts, a process that allows us to make sense of one-demokratia-through the other-isonomia. This approach is also helpful to transpose ancient meditations upon democracy to contemporary contexts not because ancient and contemporary democracies look similar , but because those meditations are constituent parts of the democracy-metaphors we currently live by, and whose roots one can see in the attributes Herodotus ascribed to it in III 80-82 and V 66-73.
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A navegação consulta e descarregamento dos títulos inseridos nas Bibliotecas Digitais UC Digitalis, UC Pombalina e UC Impactum, pressupõem a aceitação plena e sem reservas dos Termos e Condições de Uso destas Bibliotecas Digitais,... more
A navegação consulta e descarregamento dos títulos inseridos nas Bibliotecas Digitais UC Digitalis, UC Pombalina e UC Impactum, pressupõem a aceitação plena e sem reservas dos Termos e Condições de Uso destas Bibliotecas Digitais, disponíveis em https://digitalis.uc.pt/pt-pt/termos. Conforme exposto nos referidos Termos e Condições de Uso, o descarregamento de títulos de acesso restrito requer uma licença válida de autorização devendo o utilizador aceder ao(s) documento(s) a partir de um endereço de IP da instituição detentora da supramencionada licença. Ao utilizador é apenas permitido o descarregamento para uso pessoal, pelo que o emprego do(s) título(s) descarregado(s) para outro fim, designadamente comercial, carece de autorização do respetivo autor ou editor da obra. Na medida em que todas as obras da UC Digitalis se encontram protegidas pelo Código do Direito de Autor e Direitos Conexos e demais legislação aplicável, toda a cópia, parcial ou total, deste documento, nos casos em que é legalmente admitida, deverá conter ou fazer-se acompanhar por este aviso. Arqueologias de Império Autor(es): Leão, Delfim (coord.); Ramos, José Augusto (coord.); Rodrigues, Nuno Simões (coord.) Publicado por: Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra URL persistente: URI:http://hdl.handle.net/10316.2/45208
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A expressão “poiesis da democracia” no título remete para a sua preocupação central: compreender “democracia” não como conceito unívoco e absoluto, mas como resultado de permanências e transformações históricas inerentes tanto à sua... more
A expressão “poiesis da democracia” no título remete para a sua preocupação central: compreender “democracia” não como conceito unívoco e absoluto, mas como resultado de permanências e transformações históricas inerentes tanto à sua formulação grega quanto aos seus usos contemporâneos, isto é, como problema cujas respostas derivam de negociação permanentemente meditada e mediada. Assim, o volume tem por problema principal a análise — preferencialmente interdisciplinar e aberta a múltiplas abordagens teórico-metodológicas — da construção do conceito de democracia ateniense como arena político-cultural conflituosa e problemática (e não meta, estrutura ou programa), percetível em distintos autores e discursos da época clássica, bem como em reflexões que os suplementaram ao longo dos sécs. V e IV a.C.
The Poiesis of Democracy”: The expression “poiesis of democracy” in the title refers to its central concern: to understand “democracy” not as a univocal and absolute concept, but as a result of historical permanencies and transformations inherent of both its Greek formulation and its contemporary uses, that is, as a problem whose answers derive from permanently meditated and mediated negotiation. Thus, the main problem dealt with in the volume is the analysis — preferably interdisciplinary and open to multiple theoretical-methodological approaches — of the construction of the concept of Athenian democracy as a problematic political and cultural arena (and not as a goal, structure or program), perceptible in different authors and discourses of the classical period, as well as reflections that supplemented them throughout the fifth and fourth centuries BC.
The Poiesis of Democracy”: The expression “poiesis of democracy” in the title refers to its central concern: to understand “democracy” not as a univocal and absolute concept, but as a result of historical permanencies and transformations inherent of both its Greek formulation and its contemporary uses, that is, as a problem whose answers derive from permanently meditated and mediated negotiation. Thus, the main problem dealt with in the volume is the analysis — preferably interdisciplinary and open to multiple theoretical-methodological approaches — of the construction of the concept of Athenian democracy as a problematic political and cultural arena (and not as a goal, structure or program), perceptible in different authors and discourses of the classical period, as well as reflections that supplemented them throughout the fifth and fourth centuries BC.
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The studies of Petronius presented in this book discuss three different perspectives that, despite being independent, aim at giving a general approach to the Satyricon. The first chapter explores the relation between the novel and... more
The studies of Petronius presented in this book discuss three different perspectives that, despite being independent, aim at giving a general approach to the Satyricon. The first chapter explores the relation between the novel and Menippean satire: basing itself on the evolution, from Renaissance to modern times, of the various theories of Menippean genre and mode, it seeks to prove that, according to the theory of modern satire, the title of Varro’s "Saturae Menippeae" may be understood as an expression of genre, and also that Petronius tried to adapt some Menippean generic features to his own work.
The second chapter argues that the relationship of the anti-heroes of the "Satyricon" with the surrounding world is developed within a system of wandering, marked by constant escapes and immanent demands. However, this random and erratic movement does not prevent the anti-heroes from coming into contact with cohesive and intrinsically consistent systems. Among these systems are especially highlighted the "Cena Trimalchionis" and the city of Croton, an urban space that also configures a dystopia.
The last chapter focuses primarily on the characters of Giton and Eumolpos, who are two of the most curious Petronian inventions. The analysis of their behaviour and style provides us with a clarifying example of the care taken by Petronius in the construction of the main characters of the "Satyricon" and of the different levels of reading that he intentionally created, through the confluence in a single character of multiple lines deriving from literary and cultural tradition.
The second chapter argues that the relationship of the anti-heroes of the "Satyricon" with the surrounding world is developed within a system of wandering, marked by constant escapes and immanent demands. However, this random and erratic movement does not prevent the anti-heroes from coming into contact with cohesive and intrinsically consistent systems. Among these systems are especially highlighted the "Cena Trimalchionis" and the city of Croton, an urban space that also configures a dystopia.
The last chapter focuses primarily on the characters of Giton and Eumolpos, who are two of the most curious Petronian inventions. The analysis of their behaviour and style provides us with a clarifying example of the care taken by Petronius in the construction of the main characters of the "Satyricon" and of the different levels of reading that he intentionally created, through the confluence in a single character of multiple lines deriving from literary and cultural tradition.
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Despite its tensions and contradictions, the various discourses on globalization hint at a desire to build a space and time for encounters between worlds and cultures, through the persistence of a dialogue that shortens the distances, but... more
Despite its tensions and contradictions, the various discourses on globalization hint at a desire to build a space and time for encounters between worlds and cultures, through the persistence of a dialogue that shortens the distances, but respects the differences. A considerable part of the political, cultural, urban, linguistic shape of the Western world drew inspirations and solutions from the experience of poleis and cosmopoleis of the Ancient World. On the other hand, mobility may even be perceived as a characteristic feature of Luso-Brazilian culture, from the Portuguese Discoveries and their cultural production in the early stages of Jesuit literature in Brazil, especially in José de Anchieta, down to António Vieira, Machado de Assis, Guimarães Rosa, among others. Therefore, the presence and the different hues respecting the topic of mobility and of old cosmopoleis in the reception of Classical Antiquity in Portuguese literature are as well a central theme of the volume.
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Research Interests: Ancient History, Plutarch, Sparta, Spartan history & modern reception, Spartan/Messenian history, and 21 moreAncient Greek Language, Ancient Sparta, Ancient Rome, Athens, Athens and Attica (Neolithic to Archaic), Ancient Greek Literature, Plutarch, Greek Literature, Hellenistic Athens, Roman Athens, Ancient Athens, Athens and Attica, Plutarco e il linguaggio del simposio, Plutarco, Plutarchus, Plutarch's Parallel Lives, Spartan society, Solon of Athens, History of Plutarch Tradition, Age of Sparta Cheats, Plutarch on Sparta No9, and Greek and Latin Literature in the Imperial Age (Pliny the Elder - Plutarch - Dio Chrysosstom - Lucian - Pausanias)
A presente obra é o resultado de dois seminários de pesquisa que reuniram a Cátedra UNESCO Archai da Universidade de Brasília, o Centro de Estudos Clássicos e Humanísticos da Universidade de Coimbra e o Grupo Filosofia Antiga da... more
A presente obra é o resultado de dois seminários de pesquisa que reuniram a Cátedra UNESCO Archai da Universidade de Brasília, o Centro de Estudos Clássicos e Humanísticos da Universidade de Coimbra e o Grupo Filosofia Antiga da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais em dezembro de 2011 em Brasília (Brasil) e em março de 2012 na antiga cidade de Eleia (hoje Ascea Marina, Itália), com o objetivo de realizar uma estudo exploratório tendo em vista a preparação de uma nova edição em língua portuguesa da obra "Vidas e Doutrinas dos Filósofos Ilustres" de Diógenes Laércio. O estudo preparatório resultou nesta coleção de ensaios inéditos e ricos de estímulos e sugestões para a compreensão, imediatamente, da obra de Diógenes Laércio. O volume traz para o debate um panorama de questões sobre a obra e a sua receção, assim como estudos mais específicos dedicados a uma passagem ou a uma das biografias, desejando desta forma constituir-se num trabalho de referência para os pesquisadores de Diógenes Laércio em língua portuguesa.
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The contributions deal with symposion, philanthropia, and related subjects in six major sections: after an overview on Plutarch’s place in the genre of symposion, the first two sections focus on the philosophical, literary and... more
The contributions deal with symposion, philanthropia, and related subjects in six major sections: after an overview on Plutarch’s place in the genre of symposion, the first two sections focus on the philosophical, literary and socio-political functions of Plutarchan banquets. This is followed by a number of papers on violence and conflict in disruptive symposia and by studies of the key concepts of philanthropia, philia and eros. Finally, separate sections are devoted to two specific works, viz. the Quaestiones convivales and the Convivium septem sapientium. The intended audience of this book extends well beyond the growing community of Plutarchists and includes anybody who makes regular or occasional use of the Lives or of the Moralia. Considering the scope and nature of Plutarch’s multi-faceted work, the studies presented will be of interest to scholars and students from a whole range of disciplines, such as history, politics, philosophy, literature, education and arts.
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The volume is organized in four different sections. The first one is devoted to statesmen and lawgivers; the second section is dedicated to the relation between nomos and kosmos; the third section is organized under the topic of the path... more
The volume is organized in four different sections. The first one is devoted to statesmen and lawgivers; the second section is dedicated to the relation between nomos and
kosmos; the third section is organized under the topic of the path to Dike; the last section of the volume is devoted to the topic of conceptual tensions and justice in the afterlife.
kosmos; the third section is organized under the topic of the path to Dike; the last section of the volume is devoted to the topic of conceptual tensions and justice in the afterlife.
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The book comprises 15 papers dealing with several aspects of ancient Greek law
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Le présent volume trouve son origine dans la rencontre annuelle du Réseau International de recherche et de formation à la recherche Plutarque (RED) qui s’est tenue à la Maison de l’Archéologie et de l’Ethnologie René Ginouvès de Nanterre... more
Le présent volume trouve son origine dans la rencontre annuelle du Réseau International de recherche et de formation à la recherche Plutarque (RED) qui s’est tenue à la Maison de l’Archéologie et de l’Ethnologie René Ginouvès de Nanterre en novembre 2009 sur le thème « Hasard, Fortune, Providence: la
marche du monde selon Plutarque ». Pour constituer ce recueil, l’intitulé a été un peu modifié: l’adoption de la translittération, Tychè et Pronoia, veut mettre d’emblée en lumière la spécificité des notions grecques ici examinées, spécificité qui intéresse le philosophe comme le philologue. Les communications s’étaient alors réparties sur quatre demi-journées: enrichies des contributions de Marie-Rose Guelfucci et Maria do Céu Fialho, elles ont été réorganisées selon trois axes, et s’adressent, non seulement aux «Plutarquistes», mais aussi aux historiens de la philosophie, aux historiens des religions et aux spécialistes
d’historiographie.
marche du monde selon Plutarque ». Pour constituer ce recueil, l’intitulé a été un peu modifié: l’adoption de la translittération, Tychè et Pronoia, veut mettre d’emblée en lumière la spécificité des notions grecques ici examinées, spécificité qui intéresse le philosophe comme le philologue. Les communications s’étaient alors réparties sur quatre demi-journées: enrichies des contributions de Marie-Rose Guelfucci et Maria do Céu Fialho, elles ont été réorganisées selon trois axes, et s’adressent, non seulement aux «Plutarquistes», mais aussi aux historiens de la philosophie, aux historiens des religions et aux spécialistes
d’historiographie.
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The book deals with the topics of citizenship and paideia in ancient Greece.
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The books deals with the topic of globalization in the ancient world: from the polites to the kosmopolites.
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A presente obra é o resultado de dois seminários de pesquisa que reuniram a Cátedra UNESCO Archai da Universidade de Brasília, o Centro de Estudos Clássicos e Humanísticos da Universidade de Coimbra e o Grupo Filosofia Antiga da... more
A presente obra é o resultado de dois seminários de pesquisa que reuniram a Cátedra UNESCO Archai da Universidade de Brasília, o Centro de Estudos Clássicos e Humanísticos da Universidade de Coimbra e o Grupo Filosofia Antiga da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais em dezembro de 2011 em Brasília (Brasil) e em março de 2012 na antiga cidade de Eleia (hoje Ascea Marina, Itália), com o objetivo de realizar uma estudo exploratório tendo em vista a preparação de uma nova edição em língua portuguesa da obra Vidas e Doutrinas dos Filósofos Ilustres de Diógenes Laércio. A obra oferece não apenas uma suma das problemáticas éticas e metafísicas da Antiguidade, constituindo, assim, uma das mais significativas coleções de testemunhos sobre a sabedoria e a ética clássicas, mas suscita desde sempre grande interesse em virtude das diversas questões de ordem historiográfica por esta levantadas. As Vidas, quando lidas perspectivamente no contexto da época que as produziu, revelam uma concepção da filosofia como essencialmente filosofia de vida, cuja “prova dos nove” seria o sucesso “ético” do filósofo que a professa. Desta forma, também a obra de Diógenes Laércio privilegia antes a história dos homens e, somente em segundo plano, aquela de suas ideias. Um corte literário e doxográfico, este, que supreendentemente dialoga de perto com tanta sensibilidade ético-filosófica e literária contemporânea.
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Portuguese translation, with introduction and commentary of Plutarch's Lives of Solon and Publicola.
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Portuguese translation, with introduction and commentary of Plutarch's Septem Sapientium Convivium.
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The book deals with the topics of fortune, morality and satire in Petronius' Satyricon.
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Portuguese translation, with introduction and commentary of Plutarch's Lives of Theseus and Romulus.
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We invite offers of papers and posters for the forthcoming conference, Greek Art in Motion, to be held at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon, Portugal) 3-5 May 2017. The deadline for electronic abstracts is SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER... more
We invite offers of papers and posters for the forthcoming conference, Greek Art in Motion, to be held at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon, Portugal) 3-5 May 2017. The deadline for electronic abstracts is SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER 2016. The aim of this conference is to celebrate Sir John Boardman's life and works. John Boardman, Emeritus Lincoln Professor of Classical Archaeology and Art at the University of Oxford, has published many seminal works, which will remain as a reference for current and future generations of scholars around the world. They address a variety of subjects and, above all, they demonstrate the longevity and beauty of the Classical art, being a source of inspiration for junior and senior researchers alike and considerably increasing our knowledge of the ancient world. Graeca (Ampurias, Spain), the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon), and the Amigos do Museu D. Diogo de Sousa (Braga, Portugal). The conference is structured in eight thematic sessions that will cover several subject areas of Professor Boardman's expertise, each of them preceded by a keynote lecture delivered by a leading scholar in the subject. Confirmed keynote speakers include: We welcome proposals for 20 minutes papers addressing questions falling within Professor Boardman's broad fields of expertise: Abstracts of ca. 300 words are invited from scholars and advanced postgraduate students working in the field of classical archaeology and history of arts. Please, send title and abstract of your proposed paper/poster to the conference organizers at greekartinmotion@gmail.com by Saturday 31st December 2016. We will inform you if your abstract has been accepted by the end of January 2017. The language of the conference is English. Posters related to the topics outlined above are also welcome. Posters will be exhibited throughout the conference and the authors will have a chance to give a short 5-minute presentation of their work during the drinks reception. Small prizes will be awarded to the best posters of the conference. The conference fee for speakers is 100 EUR and 70 EUR for posters. It includes coffee and tea on the 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th , sandwich lunch on the 3 rd and 4 th , the reception on the 4 th , the abstracts booklets, and the entrance to the Museum of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The conference fee for delegates without paper/poster is 30 EUR standard rate and 20 EUR for students. It includes coffee and tea, and free entrance to the Museum. CONFERENCE WEBSITE: cfsirjohnboardman2017.weebly.com