Ἐρωτικὸς ποιητής. Aristeneto lettore di Caritone

Abstract

Full of allusions, quotations and rhetorical flourish, the epistolary collection by Aristaenetus clearly shows a good knowledge of classical writers and especially of the learned Second Sophistic authors, such as the Greek novelists (in particular, Achilles Tatius and Xenophon of Ephesus). This paper spe­cifically deals with two Aristaenetus’ letters (I, 3 and I, 12): analysis of indirect quotations and allusions demonstrates that the epistolographer is well acquainted with Chariton’s novel, and perhaps Longus’ Daphnis and Chloe too. This evidence shows a continued readership of the ancient novel between the fifth and sixth centuries.