Claudius Aelianus Quotation Practices and Literary Skills of an Imperial Collector of Knowledge

Claudius Aelianus, also known as Aelian (circa 175–235 AD), was a Roman intellectual and writer of the Severan period who wrote his works in Greek, drawing on the rich treasure trove of quotations from classical literature. His collections of animal stories (Περὶ ζῴων ἰδιότητος, De natura animalium) and the Ποικίλη ἱστορία (Varia Historia, which is considered to have given ancient miscellany its name) are more than mere compilations: Aelian himself saw the careful selection and artful presentation of his quotations as a genuine literary achievement.

This collection of essays reflects the growing research interest in Aelian and present a comprehensive picture of Aelian’s use of quotation as a rhetorical device and the wider richness of his literary practices. The volume is aimed at researchers and those interested in learning more about this fascinating author and his work.