SoA Forum

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: Duncan Head on May 06, 2025, 10:57 AM

Title: Author's name found on the Herculaneum scroll
Post by: Duncan Head on May 06, 2025, 10:57 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/06/x-ray-reveals-ancient-greek-author-of-charred-first-century-bc-vesuvius-scroll

It's On Vices by Philodemos.
Title: Re: Author's name found on the Herculaneum scroll
Post by: Andreas Johansson on May 06, 2025, 10:59 AM
A how-to book?
Title: Re: Author's name found on the Herculaneum scroll
Post by: Duncan Head on May 06, 2025, 11:03 AM
More likely a how-not-to book, I suppose.

The bit that amuses me is: "On Vices contains at least 10 books with others covering topics such as arrogance, greed, flattery and household management". First time I've heard that called a vice.
Title: Re: Author's name found on the Herculaneum scroll
Post by: Jim Webster on May 06, 2025, 01:55 PM
Quote from: Duncan Head on May 06, 2025, 11:03 AMMore likely a how-not-to book, I suppose.

The bit that amuses me is: "On Vices contains at least 10 books with others covering topics such as arrogance, greed, flattery and household management". First time I've heard that called a vice.

as with all these things it probably depends on how it's done  ;)
Title: Re: Author's name found on the Herculaneum scroll
Post by: stevenneate on May 07, 2025, 12:04 AM
A valuable first edition? Antiques Roadshow will value it at 500 quid as always. If only they could identify who the dedication was to it would double in price, but I guess we will never know who this Titus Caesar Vespanianus was....
Title: Re: Author's name found on the Herculaneum scroll
Post by: Imperial Dave on May 07, 2025, 04:52 AM
 ;D