Literary Representations of Naples in Flavian Poetry

Claudio Buongiovanni explores Naples’ cultural diversity, suggesting that the influx of Italians forced on the region by Sulla in 82 BCE revitalized the reputation of ‘learned Parthenope’ among the Roman aristocracy and intellectual elite as a centre where learning flourished in an environment of elegance, luxury, and refinement. Statius’ pride especially in his native Campania with its bicultural tradition encourages him to play down the devastation caused by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE and focus rather on restoration and regeneration in the region and on the euergetism of leading citizens who readily contribute their wealth and talent to construct public buildings and enhance the coastline with tasteful architecture.