8th September 1820
Dear diary, I have been reading books all day
indeed. The painter brought few interesting books yesterday. The title which
seemed the most surprising to me is Eulogy of Baldness by Synesius of Cyrene,
so it had to be the first book to read for me. It was such a funny one that I
would never imagine that Neo-Platonic philosopher could have written something
like this.
Few words about the author – Synesius (370-413) was
not only a Greek philosopher. He was also educated in Christian philosophy; he
was active publicly and last years of his life were spent in Cyrene where he became
a bishop.
Let me go further. Next books to read were
written by… Hell no. Let me try again.
Early Greek Christian Literature. In the second
and third centuries, works were apologetic or theological and philosophical.
One of the most important, educated Athenians who converted to Christianity is
St. Clement of Alexandria. Considered to be the founder of scholarly Christian
literature. His disciple was Origen. He was the first who systematically
presented Christian teachings
and defence of Christianity. He was also a critic of text of Bible and
translator. Origen’s pupil was Dionysius of Alexandria. Yes, he was the 14th
Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria. Particularly important man!
Fourth century brought the flourishing of
Christian literature in Greece. That is when three Cappadocia fathers lived – Basil
the Great, Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory of Nazianzus. One more important human
is John Chrysostom. They all wrote homilies, letters, tractates, theologian and
mistic texts, even poetry.
I have one book of all those authors to read. I
will not be bored. All obviously translated for French.
Another thing I wanted to write about today is Etruscan
art and signs that Roman slaves have left in Rome or just in Italy.
The Etruscans are of unknown origin. They came to
the peninsula and mingled with the Italian people. Another theory says that
they are indigenous people. Such a mid-prologue.
As you know, I have travelled through England,
Scotland, France, Austria, and Italy. When it comes to stuff that Etruscans
have left, I have seen some of this going to Rome. I have been to Bagnoregio,
e.g. This is a city that was founded by Etruscans in sixth century B.C. It was
so majestic and beautiful, such a hill etc. The second place is Tusculum ruins.
They have also left a lot of ruins of temples, aqueducts, and walls in Toscana.
Roman Empire has taken a lot from Etruscans –
their myths, rituals, state instruments and clothes. Their gods have also a lot
common with Greek gods. They build probably 12 country-cites and had the games
just like them.
Art time. Etruscan art was inspired by
Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Greek because they always stayed in touch but
with time it has become more original and their own. I have no doubt if frescos
from tombs (which remind me… houses) present blue horses. Tombs is also a place
that can tell us a lot about their daily life; a lot of beautiful objects have
been hidden there like golden mirrors. Also, famous Etruscan artist sculpturer
was named Vulca. The only one we know about probably… Obviously sculptures and different
things were not only made for dead people… A lot of these objects stood at houses
as decorations or sanctuaries. Tombs is simply what have left after them…
The last subject now. Whereas what Roman slaves
have left? Quite a lot. First thing that comes to my mind is… Spartacus sculpture.
Gladiator, probably a deserter from Roman army, robber and obviously the leader
of slave uprising. Definitely the biggest one in Roman Empire history.
What more? In Ostia we can still watch rich
Romans’ tombs. Sometimes slaves were parts of their families, so they have their
tombs too. It was not happening too often, but it also was sometimes. The proof
really exists.
Next example is a mosaic in Dougga which presents
slaves in the background. The carry stuff and do their typical job… It was made
in the 2nd century A.C... Another example - The epitaph on the stele
states: "Here rests Eros, Posidippus' cook, slave." Je pense
ça dit tout (I think it says it all).
When it comes to Rome… The greatest exemplum
is Colosseum. I tried but I have not found anything more.
Ok, I am done now. I will have a lot to talk
about with William at breakfast.
Until next evening!
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