Sulpicia : A Woman’s Voice from Ancient Rome

This volume aims to explore and highlight aspects of the work of Roman elegiac poet Sulpicia. Topics include Sulpicia's commentary on gender, her style and engagement with other poets, the attribution of works to her, and the reception of Sulpicia's work in musical adaptations.

The main challenge in writing the history of Roman women is their silence, for they either did not themselves write, or what writing they did was not kept and transmitted. There are, however, a few welcome exceptions, such as the work of the Roman elegiac poet Sulpicia. This volume aims to bring the voice of the to the foreground: by acknowledging her as the author of part of Corpus Tibullianum 3, by appreciating the artistry of her work in terms of both poetic technique and engagement with previous literature, and by highlighting the pointedly feminine features of her poetry, which serve as interpretive keys to better understand not only her position in the elegiac tradition, but, more in general, the role of women in Augustan Rome. The chapters address a variety of topics: Sulpicia''s commentary on and use of activities and characteristics traditionally considered feminine; Sulpicia''s sophisticated style, particularly her allusive engagement with other poets; the question of what works can be attributed to Sulpicia; and the reception of Sulpicia''s work in musical adaptations and possible future directions in the study of Latin elegy more broadly.