Aurelius Clemens Prudentius
Aurelius Clemens Prudentius was a significant figure in early Christian literature, recognized as one of its first great representatives. Living during the late third to early fourth centuries CE, he transitioned from a career in law and civil administration to focus on Christian poetry, publishing most of his works at the age of fifty-seven. Prudentius is best known for his major works, including the "Cathemerinon," a collection of hymns, and the "Peristephanon," which celebrates Christian martyrs. He also authored "Contra Symachum," addressing the controversy surrounding the removal of a pagan altar in the Roman Senate. His poetry reflects a profound understanding of classical Roman writers like Vergil and Horace, showcasing his literary skill. Prudentius's writings have had a lasting impact, with many of his poems being incorporated into Christian hymns, and his allegorical work "Psychomachia" influencing medieval Latin poetry. His contributions represent a bridge between classical literature and the emerging Christian tradition, highlighting the cultural shifts of his time.
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Subject Terms
Aurelius Clemens Prudentius
Related civilization:Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Religious figure
Life
Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (aw-REE-lee-uhs KLEHM-ehnz prew-DEHN-shee-uhs), a Christian layman (or a Christian who is not party of the clergy), has been called the first great representative of real Christian literature. Almost all that is known about him comes from his own writings. He practiced law and was a civil administrator, eventually holding a position at the imperial court. At a certain point in his life, he resolved to devote himself to Christian poetry. He published most of his works in a collection when he was fifty-seven years old.
His most famous works are his Cathemerinon (late third to early fourth century c.e.; The Twelve Hymns, 1898) and Peristephanon (late third to early fourth century c.e.; The Martyrs’ Crowns, 1926). His work Contra Symachum (late third to early fourth century c.e.; Against Symmachus, 1926) took the Christian side in the controversy that arose over the removal of the altar of victory from the Roman senate house. His writings show a deep knowledge of the great Roman writers Vergil, Juvenal, Horace, and Lucretius.
Influence
Many of his poems became hymns in later Christian worship. His poem Psychomachia (late third to early fourth century c.e.; The Psychomachia, 1929), an allegory of conflict between virtues and vices, was influential in medieval Latin poetry.
Bibliography
Malamud, Martha A. A Poetics of Transformation: Prudentius and Classical Mythology. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1989.
Peebles, Bernard Mann. The Poet Prudentius. New York: McMullen Books, 1951.
Roberts, Michael John. Poetry and the Cult of the Martyrs: The Liber Peristephanon of Prudentius. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1993.