Lycophron, Cato, and the Invention of Italian History

With the aid of Lycophron’s Alexandra, and roughly contemporary evidence from central Italian material culture, David Potter looks to recover of the expression of Italian community identity based on myths that incorporate local traditions with traditions which, although based on Greek stories have also been localized in Italy.  The period in which these traditions are being stabilized in written form is the third century BC.  He hopes to illustrate tendencies in central Italian society that built unity in advance of the period of conquest.

About David Potter

Space is limited due to pandemic protocols,  In-person attendance is limited to PUID holders only and you must RSVP to Barbara Leavey at blleavey@princeton.edu if you would like to attend.