Where’s Rome? A possible Roman parallel to the translations of the Septuagint in the Letter of Aristeas

Adams, S. A. (2018) Where’s Rome? A possible Roman parallel to the translations of the Septuagint in the Letter of Aristeas. In: Xeravits, G. G. and Goering, G. S. (eds.) Figures Who Shape Scriptures, Scriptures That Shape Figures: Essays in Honour of Benjamin G. Wright III. Series: Deuterocanonical and cognate literature studies (40). De Gruyter: Berlin, pp. 197-210. ISBN 9783110586466 (doi: 10.1515/9783110596373-013)

Abstract

This chapter asks why there is so little discussion of Roman background or influence in scholarly discussion of Letter of Aristeas. Following a brief history of Roman influence in Egypt during the second century BCE, I explore the story of the translation of Mago of Carthage’s On Farming that was commissioned by the Roman s enate in 146 BCE and identify parallels to P s.- Aristeas’ depiction of the translation of Jewish Scripture. The contribution concludes with an invitation to scholars to look beyond the Greek/Alexandrian locale and to recognise possible Roman influences on Aristeas.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Adams, Professor Sean
• Authors: Adams, S. A.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Publisher: De Gruyter
• ISBN: 9783110586466