On the Book of Epigrams by St Gregory of Nazianzus

Abstract

In the article Book 8 of the Palatine Anthology was subjected to analysis first of all from the point of view of the editing of the great collection. It was proposed that the central position given to Gregory's epigrams and the exceptional treatment of the only ”author's book” as well as the fact that Gregory is the author of the greatest number of epigrams included in the Palatine Anthology were all meant to ”christianize” the collection. In the book a ”positive” part (eulogistic epitaphs) and a ”negative” one (the works that denounce those who revel in churches and those who destroy tombs) were distinguished. The habit of writing a greater number of epigrams on the same subject was analysed and some psychological aspects of Gregory's attitude towards his loved ones were stressed.