This paper advances a new hypothesis on the origins of the Roman family of manuscripts of Herodotus’ Histories. It argues that the omissions and alterations in Book 1, together with two related scholia, reflect deliberate ideological choices aimed at a Christian readership. Entire chapters are removed, Greek historical digressions reduced, and references to accurate pagan prophecies or morally objectionable customs suppressed, producing a version of the text more compatible with biblical narratives. These changes suggest an effort to reshape Book 1 for Christian readers, particularly those interested in the biblical figure of Cyrus, portrayed as a liberator of the Hebrew people.
L'Erodoto letto in ambito cristiano: il primo libro della Famiglia Romana
Cantore R
2025
Abstract
This paper advances a new hypothesis on the origins of the Roman family of manuscripts of Herodotus’ Histories. It argues that the omissions and alterations in Book 1, together with two related scholia, reflect deliberate ideological choices aimed at a Christian readership. Entire chapters are removed, Greek historical digressions reduced, and references to accurate pagan prophecies or morally objectionable customs suppressed, producing a version of the text more compatible with biblical narratives. These changes suggest an effort to reshape Book 1 for Christian readers, particularly those interested in the biblical figure of Cyrus, portrayed as a liberator of the Hebrew people.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
