Uncover the roots of Rome with a scholarly study of a famed myth collection.
This dissertation examines the origins and authenticity of the Origo Gentis Romanae, exploring how early Roman myths were gathered, shaped, and transmitted. Drawing on a wide range of Latin sources and scholarly arguments, it situates the Origo within its historical context and traces its suspected ties to Varro and Verrius Flaccus, while weighing claims about its date, purpose, and value for understanding ancient Rome.
This volume presents a careful, methodical look at questions of authorship, dating, and sources. It argues for the Origo as an epitome built from earlier material, evaluates competing theories, and outlines the scholarly methods used to reconstruct lost sources. The discussion highlights how late antique and early medieval scholars interacted with classical traditions, and what that means for readers seeking a reliable view of early Roman myths.
- Methodical analysis of the Origo’s dates, sources, and authenticity
- Close comparison with Vergil’s Aeneid and ancient scholia
- Evidence for relationships to Varro and Verrius Flaccus
- A clear framework for evaluating medieval-reconstructed texts
Ideal for readers of classical philology, Roman history, and textual criticism who want a rigorous, lecture‑room‑level exploration of a foundational corpus and its modern interpretation.