Polyphony and historiography: Who is talking about magic in Cassius Dio?
Audureau, Florian
Polyphony and historiography: Who is talking about magic in Cassius Dio? - 2018.
1
The story of the rain miracle in Cassius Dio is famous. It deals with magic and demons, but historical and sociological conclusions on Egypt, magicians, and the Roman representation of them have been drawn too hastily. The rain miracle passage first requires a detailed analysis, and this should sound a note of caution. Indeed, although quite brief, this passage is not without inconsistencies if Cassius Dio is in fact the author. This article compares the Roman historian’s demonology with that of the passage and uses enunciative pragmatics to draw attention to the polemical value of magic. It shows that the passage becomes easier to understand if interpreted in the context of its philological transmission. This makes it necessary to take into consideration the polyphony of the text by giving the Christian compiler a say in the matter.
Polyphony and historiography: Who is talking about magic in Cassius Dio? - 2018.
1
The story of the rain miracle in Cassius Dio is famous. It deals with magic and demons, but historical and sociological conclusions on Egypt, magicians, and the Roman representation of them have been drawn too hastily. The rain miracle passage first requires a detailed analysis, and this should sound a note of caution. Indeed, although quite brief, this passage is not without inconsistencies if Cassius Dio is in fact the author. This article compares the Roman historian’s demonology with that of the passage and uses enunciative pragmatics to draw attention to the polemical value of magic. It shows that the passage becomes easier to understand if interpreted in the context of its philological transmission. This makes it necessary to take into consideration the polyphony of the text by giving the Christian compiler a say in the matter.
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