Unknown, Exhibit of the Whole World and its Peoples 32
https://caesarea-maritima.org/testimonia/227
Context
Exhibit of the Whole World and its Peoples was composed by
a learned resident of the eastern Roman Empire during the reign of Constantius II, probably
during the late 350s in Syria-Phoenicia. It is a condensed geographical survey with
annotations on culture and trade, divided into three books on the unknown east and the lands
and islands within the Imperial borders. The work survives in two Latin versions of the 6th
century, one (A) longer and presumably closer to the original, and the other apparently an
abbreviation (B). This passage explains the sources of "entertainment"
(delectabile) in different cities across greater Syria, including
chariot racing and pantomimes at Caesarea Maritima.
Text
A) Quoniam autem
oportet et singula earum describere, quid ad singulas civitates delectabile esse potest, et
hoc dicere necessarium est. Habes ergo Antiochiam quidem in omnibus delectabilibus
abundantem, maxime autem circensibus. Omnia autem quare? Quoniam ibi imperator sedet,
necesse est omnia propter eum. Ecce similiter Laodicia circenses et Tyrus et Berytus et
Caesarea; sed Laodicia mittit aliis civitatibus agitatores optimos,
Tyrus et Berytus mimarios, Caesarea pantomimos, Heliopolis choraulas,
maxime quod a Libano Musae illis inspirent divinitatem dicendi. Aliquando autem et Gaza
habet bonos auditores; dicitur autem habere eam et pammacharios, Ascalon athletas
luctatores, Castabala calopectas.
B) Iam nunc dicendum est quid etiam in se singulae
civitates de quibus loquimur habeant delectabile. Habes ergo Antiochiam in ludis circensibus
eminentem, similiter et Laodiciam et Tyrum et Berytum et Caesaream.
Et Laodicia mittit aliis civitatibus agitatores optimos, Tyrus et Berytus mimarios,
Caesarea pantomimos, Heliopolis choraulas, Gaza pammacarios,
Ascalon athletas luctatores, Castabala pyctas.
1
Textual Note
Ed. Rougé 1966Translation
A) Since we should also
describe their peculiarities, it is necessary also to say what there is for entertainment in
individual cities. So you have Antioch, indeed rich in all kinds of amenities but especially
race courses. But why all this? Because the emperor resides there, all this is necessary on
his account. Note besides that Laodicea, Tyre, Beirut, and Caesarea
have race courses. And yet Laodicea sends the best charioteers to other cities, Tyre and
Beirut mimes, Caesarea pantomimes, Heliopolis flute-accompanists,
most of all because the Muses of Lebanon inspire in them divine vocal skill. Furthermore,
Gaza has good lecturers; it is said that it also has atheletes in the pancration, Ascalon
has athletes in wrestling, Castabala has acrobats.
B) Now we must say what the
individual cities we are discussing have for entertainment. So you have Antioch, which
stands for the games at its race courses, as well Laodicea, Tyre, Beirut, and
Caesarea. And Laodicea sends the best charioteers to other cities,
Tyre and Beirut mimes, Caesarea pantomimes, Heliopolis
flute-accompanists, Gaza atheletes in the pancration, Ascalon athletes in wrestling,
Castabala players.
Translation Note
Trans. J. L. Rife with reference to Rougé 1966Discussion Note
Latin choraula (A, B) transliterating Greek χοραύλης refers to a player on a reed pipe who accompanies dancers. Unless the word has an otherwise unattested meaning of “choral singer” (cf. Rougé 1966, p. 255 n. 10 “chanteurs,” “choristes”), the author seems to mean that playing the flute was a kind of vocal expression. Latin calopecta (A) transliterating Greek καλοπαίκτης refers to an acrobat. Latin pycta (B) transliterating Greek παίκτης refers generically to a performer or “player.”Works Cited
- 1 Unknown, Expositio totius mundi et gentium, ed. Jean. Rougé, Sources chrétiennes 124 (Paris: Éditions du Cerf, 1966), ch: 32.
How to Cite This Entry
Joseph L. Rife, “Unknown, Exhibit of the Whole World and its Peoples 32,” in Caesarea Maritima: A Collection of Testimonia, entry published June 30, 2023, https://caesarea-maritima.org/testimonia/227.
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Bibliography:
Joseph L. Rife, “Unknown, Exhibit of the Whole World and its Peoples 32.” In Caesarea Maritima: A Collection of Testimonia, edited by Joseph L. Rife., edited by Joseph L. Rife. Caesarea City and Port Exploration Project, 2023. Entry published June 30, 2023. https://caesarea-maritima.org/testimonia/227.About this Entry
Entry Title: Unknown, Exhibit of the Whole World and its Peoples 32
Authorial and Editorial Responsibility:
- Joseph L. Rife, general editor, Vanderbilt University
- Joseph L. Rife, editor, Caesarea Maritima: A Collection of Testimonia
- David A. Michelson, Daniel L. Schwartz, and William L. Potter, technical editor, “Unknown, Exhibit of the Whole World and its Peoples 32”
- Joseph L. Rife, entry contributor, “Unknown, Exhibit of the Whole World and its Peoples 32”
Additional Credit:
- TEI encoding by William L. Potter
- Electronic text added by Joseph L. Rife
- Testimonia identified by Joseph L. Rife