The Cosmographia Aethici Istriotae, probably composed in the early eighth century CE, defies easy classification. Its author presents himself as Jerome the church father engaged in expurgating and excerpting the work of a pagan philosopher Aethicus of Istria into a form more suitable for Christian readers. The language of the work brims with pseudo-Greek neologisms, puns indebted to Isidore of Seville, marvels from Solinus, apocalyptic scenarios and Alexander-matter, alongside a host of other nova ex veteribus creations. Of particular interest is the text’s inventive recycling of ethnographic material, even if it remains somewhat unclear what exactly is Aethicus’ own ‘in-group’ imagined to be. In this paper, I will examine more closely the Cosmographia’s engagement with both the Greek past and present, and its playful reworking of the idea of “Greekness.”
Antti Lampinen is Docent in Classical Philology at the University of Turku.
The event is open to the public, and all interested parties are cordially invited to attend. A Zoom link will be provided via the Classics Seminar mailing list. If you would like to subscribe to the list (or present at the seminar), please get in touch with Tor Ivar Østmoe. Following the presentation, we will gather at Café Eckers for drinks and further informal discussions. Everyone is welcome to join (please note that expenses are not covered by the seminar).