Studies in Colluthus' Abduction of Helen

Abstract

The only extant work of Colluthus, an Egyptian epic poet from the late fifth century AD, is an epyllion in 394 hexameters entitled The Abduction of Helen. His poem has been interpreted as a product of late antique rhetorical affectation and stagnation, lacking in vigour and originality. The objective of this dissertation is to situate Colluthus within his cultural, literary and philosophical context and to provide a new appraisal of his work employing current interpretative perspectives. The dissertation also identifies new models (notably Claudian) and assesses the influence of contemporary education, genres and art forms on the poem.