A Man of Letters in Prison: Humanity and Justice in Libanius of Antioch

Authors

  • Alberto De Simoni University of Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32473/pcgss.v1i.130517

Keywords:

Prison, Justice, Philanthropia, Libanius

Abstract

Libanius of Antioch provides unique pieces of evidence for our understanding of prison conditions in antiquity. In advocating for the release of prisoners and/or the alleviation of their suffering, both publicly and privately, Libanius construes a narrative of humanity (φιλανθρωπία) and justice that affirms the value of the ancient pagan tradition in propounding and fostering the virtues of the good ruler. The present paper intends to set the ground for a future comprehensive study that will compare pagan and Christian narratives of humanity and justice when it comes to imprisonment in Late Antiquity.

Author Biography

Alberto De Simoni, University of Florida

Alberto De Simoni, who received his MA in Classics from the University of Florida in 2017 is a 3rd year PhD student at the University of Florida. His research focuses on ancient experiences of incarceration, specifically in Late Antique Antioch.

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Published

2022-03-17

How to Cite

De Simoni, A. (2022). A Man of Letters in Prison: Humanity and Justice in Libanius of Antioch. Selected Proceedings of the Classics Graduate Student Symposia at the University of Florida, 1. https://doi.org/10.32473/pcgss.v1i.130517

Issue

Section

Articles