Greek and Roman Tragedy in Flavian Epic Poetry

Greek and Roman Tragedy in Flavian Epic Poetry Synopsis

The current volume examines the intricate relationship between Flavian epic and Greek and Roman tragedy, highlighting how Flavian poets integrate tragic themes to explore moral, political, and ideological tensions in early imperial Rome. Through intertextual analysis, the volume investigates the adaptation of tragic figures, motifs, and rhetorical strategies, revealing how epic poets engage with tragedy to shape narrative and character psychology.

The papers explore the epic treatment of familiar tragic themes such as inherited guilt, fatal misunderstandings and the destructive nature of furor, while also addressing the performative aspects of epic narrative. By incorporating perspectives from historiography, rhetoric, and Senecan tragedy, this volume demonstrates how Flavian epic actively repurposes tragedy to mediate cultural anxieties and engage with contemporary philosophical debates. Offering a fresh approach to genre interaction, this volume is essential for scholars of Flavian epic, tragedy, and Roman literary culture.