Tombstones. Monodia. Aristide Eliy

This publication first offers the domestic reader a complete collection of works of an interesting genre of ancient literature - ancient Greek tombstones preserved from the period from the 5th century. BC. e. In the 4th century n. e. Part of them belongs to the classical era of ancient Greece (V-IV centuries BC), the other belongs to the time of the Roman Empire; So, under one binding, they are combined as official speeches, made in the presence of a large number of citizens, distinguished by a refined style and solemnity, and initiation to private individuals, often to friends and relatives of the speaker, and therefore more soulful, noted by the power of personal feeling. The latter include several speeches of the famous speaker of the P -v. n. e., the largest representative of the second sophistry Eliya Aristide.

compiling an important part of the ancient funeral rite, the tombstones (monodias and epitaphs) served as the goals of ritual mourning of the deceased and immortalized the memory of the dead among relatives, fellow citizens and descendants. The addressees of such speeches became as people of all kinds of classes and titles (who was idle by the young speaker; the great ruler who fell on the battlefield; an athlete who had gone for the time being and was not defeated by anyone; a glorious commander and his nameless soldiers - zealots and defenders of the Fatherland), and destroyed), and destroyed Flame temples, palaces ruined by the barbarians, converted columns and statues, finally whole cities, destroyed by people or switched by the “expressing of divine will.”

these speech are not only distinguished by the wealth of language and imagery, an abundance Mythological allusions and reminiscences, but also offer a wide historical excursion, reflecting the events of military and peacetime, describing solemn rites, entertainment and life. So, for example, in one of the texts the history of the Eleusian mysteries is described in detail - the most important religious festival, uniting in antiquity tens of thousands of people and gave, as it was believed, hope for the salvation of the soul and eternal life after death.

in the section " Additions ”included chosen excerpts from ancient oratory textbooks, telling in detail how epitaphs and monodias were created, and revealing the“ creative laboratory ”of the ancient rhetoric for the reader.

is recommended for a wide range of readers.