Who was Antoninus Liberalis?

Antoninus Liberalis was an Ancient Greek mythographer. He is believed to have flourished in the late 2nd or early 3rd century CE, a period within the Roman Empire.

What is Antoninus Liberalis primarily known for?

Antoninus Liberalis is primarily known as the author of *The Metamorphoses*, a collection of mythological tales. This work is significant for preserving variations of familiar myths and introducing stories not found in other ancient sources.

What is the Greek title of Antoninus Liberalis's surviving work and its literal meaning?

The Greek title of Antoninus Liberalis's surviving work is *Metamorphōseōn Synagogē*. This title literally means 'collection of transformations'.

What genre does Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* belong to?

Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* belongs to the literary genre of myths about transformations. This genre was popular in the classical world, featuring changes of characters into various natural elements.

What kinds of transformations are described in the genre of myths represented by Antoninus Liberalis's work?

The genre of transformation myths includes stories where men, women, heroes, and nymphs are changed into plants and animals, springs, rocks and mountains, and stars. These tales explore themes of divine intervention and the fluidity of form.

How does Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* compare to other famous works on similar themes?

Antoninus Liberalis's work shares thematic similarities with more polished and well-known collections such as Ovid's *Metamorphoses* and Lucius Apuleius's *Metamorphoses*. These parallels suggest a shared tradition of transformation myths in classical literature.

What were the likely sources for the myths collected by Antoninus Liberalis?

The sources for Antoninus Liberalis's tales, where they can be identified, appear to be Hellenistic works. Notable examples include Nicander's *Heteroeumena* and the *Ornithogonia* attributed to Boios.

When does the surviving manuscript of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* date from?

The work of Antoninus Liberalis survives in a single manuscript that dates to the late 9th century. This medieval manuscript is the sole surviving witness to his collection of myths.

Where is the primary manuscript of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* currently housed?

The sole surviving manuscript of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* is currently housed in the Palatine Library in Heidelberg, Germany. This library is known for its significant collection of historical texts.

Describe the historical journey of the Palatine manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's work.

The manuscript was brought from Constantinople to Basel around 1437 by John of Ragusa. After his death, it passed to the University of Basel. In 1553, it was acquired by Otto Henry, Elector Palatine. It was later sent to Rome in 1623, then to Paris in 1797 following the Treaty of Tolentino, and finally restored to Heidelberg in 1816 after the Congress of Vienna.

Who first printed the text of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses*, and where and when?

The text of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* was first printed in Basel in 1568 by Guilielmus Xylander. This marked the initial publication and wider dissemination of his collection of myths.

Why is Guilielmus Xylander's 1568 edition of the *Metamorphoses* particularly important for textual history?

Xylander's 1568 edition is the only authority for certain passages of the text because three leaves have since disappeared from the original manuscript. Therefore, his printed version preserves information that would otherwise be irretrievably lost.

What is distinctive about the transformations described in Antoninus Liberalis's collection compared to other sources?

Many of the transformations detailed in Antoninus Liberalis's compilation are unique and are not attested in other ancient sources. Some of these stories may represent original creations by Antoninus himself or preserve traditions otherwise lost.

How is the narrative style of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* characterized?

The narrative style of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* is described as laconic and conversational prose. It is noted for its brevity and directness in storytelling.

What critical assessment has been made regarding the writing style of Antoninus Liberalis?

Sarah Myers offered a critical assessment, describing Antoninus Liberalis's text as completely inartistic. This description emphasizes its brevity and lack of elaborate style, suggesting a focus on content over stylistic flourish.

What did Francis Celoria observe about the Greek language used in Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses*?

Francis Celoria, the translator of the work, found the Greek used to be perfectly acceptable *koine* Greek. He did, however, note the presence of numerous *hapax legomena*, which are words used only once, and a general absence of grammatical particles that might convey humor or a distinct authorial voice.

What is the significance of *hapax legomena* in Antoninus Liberalis's text?

*Hapax legomena* are words that appear only once within a given text. Their presence in Antoninus Liberalis's work, as noted by Celoria, indicates a unique vocabulary and contributes to the text's distinctive style.

What is the title of the section in the source text that lists the myths included in Antoninus Liberalis's work?

The section listing the myths in Antoninus Liberalis's work is titled 'Tales'.

How many tales are summarized in Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses*?

Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* contains a collection of forty-one briefly summarized tales. These summaries provide concise accounts of various mythical transformations.

What does the image caption about the Palatine manuscript illustrate?

The image caption identifies the illustration as the table of contents of the *Metamorphoses* found within the Palatine manuscript (Pal. graec. 398, fol. 189v), dating from the late 9th century. This visual provides context for the manuscript's physical presentation.

Can you list some of the mythical transformations featured in Antoninus Liberalis's collection?

Yes, the collection includes tales such as Ctesylla, the Meleagrids, Hierax, Cragaleus, Aegypius, Periphas, Anthus, Lamia or Sybaris, the Emathides, and the Minyades, among others. Each story recounts a specific metamorphosis.

What is the 'Teumessian fox' mentioned in the list of tales?

The 'Teumessian fox' is listed among the tales in Antoninus Liberalis's collection. This likely refers to a mythical fox associated with the region of Teumessos in Boeotia, known in mythology.

What clarification is provided in the footnotes regarding 'The Thieves' tale?

The footnote indicates that 'The Thieves' is one of the tales in Antoninus Liberalis's collection. A related footnote clarifies this might refer to Aegolius, Celeus, Cerberus, and Laius in the Idaean cave, suggesting a group transformation.

What specific mythological figures are associated with the footnote for 'The Dorians'?

The footnote associated with 'The Dorians' specifies that it refers to the companions of Diomedes. This clarifies that the tale is linked to the famous Greek hero Diomedes and his exploits.

What is the estimated time frame for Antoninus Liberalis's life based on his name?

Based on his Roman name 'Antoninus,' scholars suggest he likely flourished during the Antonine or Severan periods. These periods generally span the late 2nd to early 3rd century CE.

How do the *Metamorphoses* by Ovid and Apuleius relate to Antoninus Liberalis's work?

Ovid's and Apuleius's *Metamorphoses* are considered more polished parallels to Antoninus Liberalis's collection. They represent similar literary treatments of transformation myths, though Antoninus's work often provides unique variants or stories not found in these more famous works.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section typically found at the end of Wikipedia articles?

The 'Authority control' section provides standardized identifiers from various international and national databases (like ISNI, VIAF, Library of Congress). These identifiers help to uniquely identify the subject, in this case Antoninus Liberalis, and link related information across different cataloging systems, ensuring data consistency.

What does the image of the title page from a 1676 edition suggest about Antoninus Liberalis's legacy?

The image of the 1676 title page indicates that Antoninus Liberalis's work, *The Metamorphoses*, continued to be published and studied centuries after its creation. This demonstrates the enduring interest in his collection of myths.

What does the term 'mythographer' mean in the context of Antoninus Liberalis?

A mythographer is an individual who collects, compiles, and writes about myths. Antoninus Liberalis, as a mythographer, gathered and recorded various transformation myths in his work, *The Metamorphoses*.

What does the term 'Hellenistic' refer to in relation to the sources of Antoninus Liberalis's myths?

'Hellenistic' refers to the period in ancient Greek history and culture following the death of Alexander the Great (323 BCE) up to the Roman conquest of Greece (146 BCE). The sources for Antoninus Liberalis's work are believed to originate from this era of Greek civilization.

What is the significance of the manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's work being described as a 'collection of several works'?

The fact that the manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's work is part of a larger collection of texts on geography, mythography, and other topics suggests it was part of a broader scholarly or literary compilation. This was a common practice in ancient and medieval manuscript production, where multiple texts were bound together.

What historical event led to the manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's work being transferred to Paris?

The Treaty of Tolentino, signed in 1797, led to the transfer of approximately 500 Vatican manuscripts, including the one containing Antoninus Liberalis's work, to Paris. This occurred during the period of Napoleon Bonaparte's campaigns in Italy.

What role did the Congress of Vienna play in the history of the manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's work?

The Congress of Vienna, held in 1815, was a major international conference following the Napoleonic Wars. Its terms led to the return of many cultural artifacts, including the Palatine manuscript of Antoninus Liberalis, to Heidelberg in 1816.

What is the meaning of *koine* Greek, as mentioned in relation to Antoninus Liberalis's text?

*Koine* Greek, meaning 'common Greek,' was the standardized form of the Greek language that emerged during the Hellenistic period. It was widely spoken throughout the eastern Mediterranean and served as a lingua franca for centuries, including the period when Antoninus Liberalis likely wrote.

What does the phrase 'stories that are not attested in other ancient sources' imply about Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses*?

This phrase implies that Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* contains unique mythological narratives. These stories are valuable because they represent traditions or specific myths that might otherwise be lost to history, offering new insights into ancient mythology.

What is the function of the Palatine Library in Heidelberg concerning the manuscript of Antoninus Liberalis?

The Palatine Library in Heidelberg is the current repository for the late 9th-century manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses*. It safeguards this significant historical document for scholarly access and preservation.

What is the historical significance of the manuscript being dated to the 'late 9th century'?

A manuscript dating to the late 9th century is considered medieval. Its survival provides a direct link to the transmission of classical texts through the Middle Ages, offering insights into how these works were preserved, copied, and studied during that era.

What does the term 'mythical metamorphoses' specifically refer to in Antoninus Liberalis's work?

'Mythical metamorphoses' refers to transformations described within myths, where characters, often humans or deities, change their form into animals, plants, natural features, or celestial bodies. Antoninus Liberalis's work is a collection specifically focused on these types of mythical changes.

What is the primary characteristic of the individual tales presented in Antoninus Liberalis's collection?

The primary characteristic of the individual tales in Antoninus Liberalis's collection is that they are very briefly summarized accounts of mythical transformations. They offer concise versions of these stories, likely derived from longer sources.

What does the term 'Hellenistic works' suggest about the origin and context of the myths Antoninus Liberalis drew upon?

'Hellenistic works' suggests that the myths compiled by Antoninus Liberalis likely originated or were popularized during the Hellenistic period (roughly 323 BCE to 146 BCE). This era, following Alexander the Great's conquests, saw the widespread dissemination of Greek culture and literature.

What is the literal translation of the Greek title *Metamorphōseōn Synagogē*?

The literal translation of the Greek title *Metamorphōseōn Synagogē* is 'collection of transformations'. This title accurately reflects the thematic content of the work.

What kind of stories does Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* contain?

The *Metamorphoses* contains tales that present new variations of familiar myths and also includes stories that are not attested in other ancient sources. This makes his work a valuable resource for scholars studying Greek mythology.

From where was the manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's work originally brought to Europe?

The manuscript containing Antoninus Liberalis's work originated from Constantinople. It was later brought to Basel by John of Ragusa around 1437, initiating its journey into Western European libraries.

What was the role of Pope Gregory IX in the manuscript's history?

In 1623, Pope Gregory IX received the Palatine Library, including the manuscript of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses*, as a gift. This transfer marked its relocation to Rome.

What is the significance of the title 'Metamorphoses' in classical literature?

The title 'Metamorphoses' signifies a collection of transformation myths. It is famously associated with works by Ovid and Apuleius, and Antoninus Liberalis also used this theme for his compilation.

What does the presence of the title page image from 1676 suggest about the accessibility of Antoninus Liberalis's work?

The image of the 1676 title page, printed by Daniel van Gaesbeeck, suggests that Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* was accessible to printers and readers in the early modern period. This indicates the continued relevance and availability of his work beyond scholarly circles.

What is the relationship between Antoninus Liberalis's work and Nicander's *Heteroeumena*?

Nicander's *Heteroeumena* is cited as one of the potential Hellenistic sources for the myths collected by Antoninus Liberalis. This suggests that Antoninus was drawing upon earlier literary traditions for his compilation.

What does the description 'brief summaries of lost metamorphoses by more ambitious writers' imply about Antoninus Liberalis's contribution?

This description implies that Antoninus Liberalis's work serves as a condensed record of transformation myths that may have existed in longer, more elaborate forms in lost works by authors like Nicander and Boios. His collection thus acts as a vital repository for otherwise unknown mythological narratives.

What is the significance of the manuscript being in the Palatine Library in Heidelberg?

The Palatine Library in Heidelberg holds the unique late 9th-century manuscript of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses*. Its presence there is crucial for the study and preservation of this ancient text, especially after its complex journey through various European collections.

What does the term 'proto-Expressionism' refer to, as mentioned in the prompt's example (though not in the source text)?

The term 'proto-Expressionism' refers to artistic or literary styles that foreshadowed or contained early elements of Expressionism, a movement characterized by subjective experience and emotional distortion. This term, used in the prompt's example regarding theatre, is not directly applicable to the content about Antoninus Liberalis.

What is the overall nature of Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* as a collection?

Antoninus Liberalis's *Metamorphoses* is a collection of forty-one very briefly summarized tales about mythical transformations. It offers new variants of familiar myths and includes stories not attested elsewhere, drawing from Hellenistic sources.

Antoninus Liberalis Wiki: Antoninus Liberalis: Chronicler of Mythic Transformations

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About Antoninus Liberalis

Identity and Era

Antoninus Liberalis was a distinguished Ancient Greek mythographer. While precise dating is elusive, scholarly consensus places his period of activity, or flourishing, in the late 2nd or early 3rd century CE.^[1] The Roman cognomen "Antoninus" suggests a connection to the Nerva-Antonine or Severan dynasties, further anchoring him within this historical timeframe.

Scholarly Contribution

His primary contribution to classical scholarship is his authorship of The Metamorphoses. This work is a compilation of mythological narratives, notable for presenting variants of well-known myths and, crucially, for including stories that are not attested in any other surviving ancient sources. This makes his collection an invaluable resource for understanding the breadth and diversity of ancient Greek mythology.

The Metamorphoses

A Collection of Transformations

Antoninus Liberalis' sole surviving work, titled Metamorphoseōn Synagogē (literally 'collection of transformations'), is a compilation of forty-one distinct tales. These narratives, presented in prose rather than verse, detail mythical transformations of humans, heroes, and nymphs into various natural elements such as animals, plants, springs, mountains, and stars.^[2]

Literary Context and Sources

The genre of transformation myths was highly popular throughout the classical world. Antoninus' work shares thematic parallels with more famous literary treatments, such as Ovid's Metamorphoses and Apuleius' Metamorphoses (also known as The Golden Ass). However, Antoninus' specific sources, where traceable, often lead back to Hellenistic Greek works, including Nicander's Heteroeumena and the Ornithogonia attributed to Boios.^[3]^[4]

Narrative Style

The prose style employed by Antoninus is characterized by its brevity and directness. Scholars describe it as "laconic," "conversational," and "grimly simple." It largely eschews the elaborate rhetorical flourishes or overt narrative persona found in other classical authors, focusing instead on the concise relaying of the mythological events.^[9]^[10] This unadorned approach, while perhaps lacking in literary artistry for some, preserves the core narratives with remarkable clarity.

The Forty-One Tales

Catalogue of Transformations

The Metamorphoses presents a series of forty-one distinct mythological episodes. Many of these tales are unique to Antoninus' compilation, offering scholars invaluable insights into lost traditions and variations of ancient myths. The following is a comprehensive list of these narratives:

Ctesylla
The Meleagrids
Hierax (mythology)
Cragaleus
Aegypius (mythology)
Periphas (king of Attica)
Anthus (mythology)
Lamia (mythology) or Sybaris (mythology)
Emathides (Pierides)
Minyades
Aëdon or Nightingale
Cycnus of Aetolia or Swan
Aspalis
Munichus
Meropis (mythology)
Oenoe (mythology)
Leucippus (daughter of Galatea)
Eeropus or Bee-eater
The Thieves^[a]
Clinis
Polyphonte
Cerambus
Battus (mythology)
Ascalabus
Metioche and Menippe
Hylas
Iphigeneia
Typhon
Galinthias
Byblis
The Messapian shepherds
Dryope (daughter of Dryops)
Alcmene
Smyrna
The Lycian peasants (Herdsmen)
Pandareus
The Dorians^[b]
Wolf (Psamathe)
Arceophon
Britomartis
The Teumessian fox

Manuscript and Publication

The Palatine Manuscript

The textual tradition of Antoninus Liberalis' Metamorphoses is preserved in a single manuscript originating from the late 9th century. This codex, designated Palatinus graecus 398, is housed in the Palatine Library at Heidelberg University.^[5]

Journey Through Libraries

The manuscript's provenance is complex. It was transported from Constantinople to Basel around 1437 by John of Ragusa. Following his death, it was bequeathed to the Dominican monastery in Basel and subsequently transferred to the University of Basel in 1529. In 1553, it entered the Palatine Library under Otto Henry, Elector Palatine. Its journey continued to Rome in 1623 as part of the Palatine Library's transfer to Pope Gregory IX, and then to Paris in 1797 following the Treaty of Tolentino. Finally, in 1816, it was returned to Heidelberg as stipulated by the Congress of Vienna.^[6]

Early Printing and Textual Authority

The initial printed edition of the Metamorphoses appeared in Basel in 1568, prepared by Guilielmus Xylander. Regrettably, three leaves are now missing from the manuscript. Consequently, Xylander's 1568 edition remains the sole authoritative source for the text of these specific passages, highlighting the critical importance of early printed editions in textual scholarship.^[8]

Enduring Significance

Unique Mythological Content

The primary value of Antoninus Liberalis' work lies in its preservation of unique mythological narratives. While his prose style is unadorned, it serves as a conduit for stories that might otherwise have been lost to history. These tales offer valuable variations and additions to the corpus of Greek mythology, enriching our understanding of its development and regional differences.^[9]

Academic Reception

Scholars acknowledge the literary simplicity of Antoninus' text, noting its lack of humor and narrative embellishment. However, its value is recognized for its directness and its role in transmitting otherwise unknown mythological traditions. The text is considered competent koine Greek, despite containing numerous hapax legomena (words appearing only once).^[10]

Authority Control

The extensive authority control data associated with Antoninus Liberalis underscores his recognized place within global academic and archival systems. These identifiers facilitate cross-referencing across international libraries, databases, and scholarly resources, enabling comprehensive research into his life and work.

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References

Heidelberg, Palatinus graecus 398; see Hoffmann 2020 for a full description.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Antoninus Liberalis Wikipedia page

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Important Considerations

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available academic sources, primarily the Wikipedia article on Antoninus Liberalis. It is intended for educational and informational purposes, aiming to provide a structured overview for advanced students of classical studies.

This content is not a substitute for primary source analysis or expert academic consultation. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source data, the interpretation and presentation are AI-driven. The nuances of ancient texts, manuscript traditions, and scholarly debate require direct engagement with original materials and peer-reviewed scholarship.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this AI-generated content. Users are encouraged to consult original sources and scholarly works for definitive understanding.

Antoninus Liberalis

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About Antoninus Liberalis 🏛️

📜 Identity and Era

✍️ Scholarly Contribution

The Metamorphoses 📚

📖 A Collection of Transformations

🔗 Literary Context and Sources

📝 Narrative Style

The Forty-One Tales 🌟

📜 Catalogue of Transformations

Manuscript and Publication 📜

🗝️ The Palatine Manuscript

🌍 Journey Through Libraries

🖨️ Early Printing and Textual Authority

Enduring Significance 💡

💎 Unique Mythological Content

🧐 Academic Reception

🌐 Authority Control

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Scholarly Disclaimer ⚠️

⚖️ Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About Antoninus Liberalis

Identity and Era

Scholarly Contribution

The Metamorphoses

A Collection of Transformations

Literary Context and Sources

Narrative Style

The Forty-One Tales

Catalogue of Transformations

Manuscript and Publication

The Palatine Manuscript

Journey Through Libraries

Early Printing and Textual Authority

Enduring Significance

Unique Mythological Content

Academic Reception

Authority Control

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Scholarly Disclaimer

Important Considerations