The structure of Asconius Pedianus’ Argumentum Orationis pro Milone

Abstract

This article analyses the inner structure of the argumentum orationis pro Milone in order to evaluate how Asconius arranges his narration of events. The analysis focuses on how the various sections unwind, on the use of connectives and temporal indicators, as well as on the use of tenses, and argues that the argumentum proceeds according to the chronological succession of events in its general outlines, within which minor events are inserted by association of ideas regardless of the chronological order. A most striking example is provided by the episodes narrated at 36. 18-38. 13, which form a long digression on the topic of metus Milonis and, subsequently, of constantia Ciceronis.