LA PERCEZIONE DEL BARBARICUM. LIBANIO E LA REALTÀ EXTRA ANTIOCHENA

Abstract

This paper aims at exploring both the city of Antioch in the 4th century ad as a transit city, thus a melting-pot of cultures, and Libanius the rhetor: but they will be considered with regard to the extra- Antiochian context. Between the lines of Libanius’speeches emerges the primary function of the Empire, that is to say the defence of the polis – a perfect microcosm – against barbarian hordes, observed according to classical stereotypes. Much has already written about Libanius’ image deformation of barbaric peoples, influenced by literary tradition: nevertheless, a careful analysis of his works will show some ability to place them in the wake of Libanius’ coeval climate, especially when the rhetor is tackling extremely topical issues. Among all the barbarians who threatened the Empire, Persians are the ones Libanius talks about the most. The considerable presence of this people in Libanius’ works is explained on the basis of the geographical proximity of this enemy: the rhetor harbours for Persians a dislike, that is justified in the light of their incessant and insidious incursions. In this increase in tensions and fears, close to the frontier zone – perpetually open to the encounter with the other –, one can imagine the comings and goings of troops, the passage of personalities engaged on a mission, the feverish activityof both Roman and Persians notables, primarily related to military sphere. Such a landscape has been pointed out by epistolary contacts, more conspicuous between Libanius and some members of the high military commands, including individuals belonging also to other barbarian ethnic groups: all of this reveals an interesting ‘intellectual cosmopolitanism’.