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Talk from Visiting Fellow

Aelius Aristides’ speech In Praise of Rome: Epideictic Rhetoric and Ideological Negotiation

Under the Roman Empire, the Greek elites expressed the greatest respect for the emperors and celebrated the advantages of Roman domination. But behind the brilliant façade, things were more complex, as reflected by the subtle rhetoric of the sophists. Aelius Aristides’ speech In Praise of Rome is a case study for such rhetorical prowess. As he praises the Roman Empire, Aelius Aristides offers a political and philosophical analysis, whilst subtly emphasizing Greek identity and raising deeper concerns about imperial rule. Approaching Aristides’ strategy critically has philological consequences: it offers options to better edit and understand the letter of the text. A new critical edition of this speech, with translation and commentary, by Laurent Pernot is forthcoming in the Budé series on 23 April (Éditions Les Belles Lettres).