Two letters of the usurper Magnus Maximus (Collectio Avellana 39 and 40)

Omissi, A. (2022) Two letters of the usurper Magnus Maximus (Collectio Avellana 39 and 40). Classical Quarterly, 72(1), pp. 391-415. (doi: 10.1017/S000983882200043X)

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Abstract

This article presents, for the first time in English, a translation of the two letters of the usurping emperor Magnus Maximus that are to be found within the Collectio Avellana (letters 39 and 40). The letters—from Maximus to the Emperor Valentinian II and from Maximus to Siricius, bishop of Rome—are each introduced with an extensive discussion of their subject matter, the circumstances of their composition, and their probable date. The article then considers possible reasons for these letters’ unusual survival; as letters of a usurping emperor, one would have expected them to be destroyed, and the article explores how we may understand their inclusion in the Collectio Avellana. Finally, the translations are given, with extensive commentary in their notes.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Omissi, Dr Adrastos
Authors: Omissi, A.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Classics
Journal Name:Classical Quarterly
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:0009-8388
ISSN (Online):1471-6844
Published Online:24 November 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Classical Quarterly 72(1):391-415
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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