ESR 10 The Carmina Latina Epigraphica of Rome Preserved in the Manuscript Tradition

Christin Rochlitzer

Objectives
The project will analyse the Carmina Latina Epigraphica of the city of Rome up to Late Antiquity as presented and contextualised in the manuscripts of later periods, from the Renaissance period to the humanists. Many of the carmina preserved in these manuscripts have not been published yet in a scientific edition.

During the Renaissance and Humanist period, the interest in antiquity did not embrace all “ancient” materials. Indeed, scholars discussed quality criteria and selected objects and texts they wanted to be connected with in future commemoration through their writing. Manuscript studies and the study of former and contemporary excavations, of collections and museology will explore a common issue: the background of selection processes. Composition and selection criteria of the manuscripts’ authors will be considered, and different factors (living conditions, region, older manuscripts etc.) affecting the base of knowledge will be researched. The study will investigate elements of popular culture and figures of speech and those deriving from poets in a direct form or adapted to the new context.

Expected Results
A doctoral thesis on the objectives mentioned above to build up a general expertise in renaissance and humanist culture, and professional skills in manuscript studies.