Lexis

Poetica, retorica e comunicazione nella tradizione classica

The Words of Elegy and Flavia Dionysia, Child Poetess

CLE 1166 = CIL VI 18324

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Abstract

Epigraphic poem CLE 1166 is dedicated to Flavia Dionisiade, who passed away at the age of just seven. The aim of the epitaph was to commemorate the child and, with her, a particular talent of hers. For years, following Bücheler’s interpretation, this talent has been understood as skill in dancing. However, the poem’s wording tells a different story: an analysis, supported by the Thesaurus linguae Latinae, demonstrates that Flavia Dionisiade was a young poet, particularly devoted to elegiac poetry.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: March 19, 2025 | Accepted: May 26, 2025 | Published June 26, 2025 | Language: it

Keywords EpigraphyThesaurus Linguae LatinaeElegiac poetryLexicographyCarmina epigraphicaThesaurus linguae Latinae