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This paper analyses the presence of elements of invective (ψγος;) in the Dionysiaca by Nonnus of Panopolis, who follows in general terms the structure of the βασιλικς; λγος; or imperial encomium. It contends that Nonnus uses invective to balance the panegyric and mock the genre in which he works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 455 AD the Roman general Eparchius Avitus was proclaimed Emperor by his soldiers in Arles. Avitus' son-in-law, Sidonius Apollinaris, delivered a panegyric to mark the new emperor's first consulship. In this poem Avitus controls his ira to repel the barbarians and counter their fear inducing behaviour. Avitus' manipulation of the barbarians relies on auctoritas rather than eloquence. Sidonius styles Avitus as an impressive military and political leader, ideally suited to confronting the Vandals and restoring a broken Roma to her former glory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]