Una lista de autores literarios en Plinio el Viejo: Naturalis Historia VII 107-117

Abstract

In NH VII 107-117 the Elder Pliny offers a selection of Greek and Roman notabilities who achieved prominence through their ingenium. This selection follows the model set by περὶ τεχνιτῶν treatises, especially Varro's De Poetis. Pliny's selection is based on two considerations: the glory achieved by each person; the opinions expressed by an authority, in most cases a politician. According to Pliny, the four Roman authors selected (Ennius, Virgil, Varro, Cicero) served as paragons of excellence for the Roman people. Through his selection, Pliny defines his own attitude about the literary tradition and the intellectual elite in Rome: his idea of literature as a public service, the practical value of his work, his preference for prose and the increasingly strong influence exerted by experts on Roman Society.