Les sententiae chez Florus

Abstract

Summary – In Florus’ Epitome, the gnomic sentences are fewer than the epigrammatic ones, since there are only thirteen maxims, which deal with war, diplomacy or morality. They have three main functions. First, as an ornamental component of Florus’ work, they are characterized above all by brevitas and by the use of the rhythmical clausulae generally preferred by the historian. Moreover, they do not conclude a narrative, but they are used as transitions in order to announce a sudden change; thanks to them, Florus may also give a simplified version of events. At last, as far as ideology is concerned, it appears that they confirm the general views Florus expressed elsewhere, like the moral decline of Rome between 133 B. C. and Augustus, the need for cautiousness in the provincial administration and the organic view of the state.