Τα επιγράμματα του Ασκληπιάδου του Σαμίου: εισαγωγή - κείμενο - μετάφραση - σχολία

Abstract

The first edition of Asclepiades’s epigrams aspires to become a reliable handbook to University students and scholars alike. In the introduction (and commentary of the epigrams) emphasis was placed on the literary characteristics as well as the historical background of the poet’s productive period. The philological study and commentary, which follow the text, was based on the publication of Gow - Page. Initially, the results of older as well as modem research are examined with the aim of evaluating their reliability while at the same time helping the readers make their own assessment. At this point begins an effort to restore the original text with several of my own corrections (e.g. ep. XVII.6, XXV. 1, XXV.8, XXVI.5, XXXVI. 1-2), or with the adoption of other scholars’ corrections (e.g. ep. XXVII.4). In other cases although the authentic text is retained, several interpretative impediments are resolved with a different approach (e.g. ep. X.3, XII, XIV.3-4, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXII, XXIII, XXXII, XXXIII, XLII.1, XLIII, XLIV, XLV, XLVI). Basic criterion for the new corrections and interpretations is their efficiency and scholarly support since the aim is not to impress but to provide the best possible restoration and evaluation of Asclepiades’s poetic work saved to date. Within these limits constructive criticism is made on contemporary opinion which, in my opinion, have resulted in erroneous (e.g. ep. VII) or even contradictory theories (e.g. ep. IX, XVI) by partially examining Asclepiades’s epigrams. At the same time we examine whether the 17 “controversial” epigrams should be attributed to Asclepiades or not, and the relative conclusions have been brought forward (e.g. ep. XXXVIII - XL, XLIII - XLVI). Asclepiades’s epigrams were also co-examined mainly with works of the Ancient Greek and Latin Literature in the respect of their form and content. Many are the references to philosophical theories (see Issue Table wd. φιλοσοφία). The commentary of the epigrams refers to their form and content alike aiming at qualities as precision, conciseness and comprehensiveness. The main general conclusions are reviewed in the epilogue. The constant care to handle the ancient text with respect was the main feature at this dissertation. The purpose was, by properly evaluating Asclepiades’s poetic work, to contribute to the Literary study of his period an important part of which was Asclepiades.