Teo-teleologia in Sidonio Apollinare: tra modulo encomiastico e provvidenzialità dell’impero

Taking into account the strong intertwining and interdependence of religion and politics that permeated late antique Roman society, the present contribution provides an analysis of Sidonius Apollinaris’ poetical panegyrics, laying stress on those features which are more susceptible of religious interpretation. Sidonius’ poetry provides a consistent reassessment of the providentially established empire and the glorious destiny of Rome, through a careful selection of the motifs suitable for the different circumstances (e.g. the resurrection or rejuvenation of Rome or the luminous harmony between East and West). Sidonius’ optimistic, sometimes illusory, confidence in the res Romana leads him to describe a nostalgic realm in still classicizing terms that avoid any reference to Christian religion. The elements composing his picture reinforce the theology of victory and aim at testifying the everlasting power of the Roman empire, where even the past misfortunes can be integrated in a providential scheme.