The style of the <i>Bellum Hispaniense</i> and the evolution of Roman historiography
Jan Gaertner
INTRODUCTION The Bellum Alexandrinum, Africum and Hispaniense , which have been transmitted to us as a sort of continuation Caesar's civile are not only important sources for our knowledge the historical events 40s bc . They also long recognised precious pieces evidence stylistic diversity Latin in first century At least since end nineteenth three pseudo-Caesarian Bella interpreted reflection colloquial/substandard stylistically classed second-rate literature. This is particularly true Already humanists such Lipsius, J. Scaliger or G. Vossius qualified its style ‘horrid’ ( horridus ) ‘somewhat harsh’ duriusculus ); early editor Goduinus thought that author's mother tongue was Latin; Clarke (1753: 457) Oudendorp (1737: ii .940) speculated work soldier's diary, Madvig, Norden, Klotz, Pascucci, Diouron others sketched image an author who tries write elevated but constantly fails reveals his lack education. When looked at more closely, this traditional characterisation must seem rather implausible. First all, there several features contradict hypothesis hastily written diary. It commonly agreed speeches 17.1–3 42.4–7 Gnaeus Pompeius' letter Chapter 26 polished show no signs negligence incompetence.