L. Annaeus Seneca Maior
Seneca the Elder
The master of rhetorical education
c. 54 BC – c. AD 39
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, known as Seneca the Elder, was born around 54 BC in Corduba (modern Cordoba). He was the father of the philosopher Seneca and grandfather of the poet Lucan.
In his old age he compiled his extraordinary memory of Roman rhetorical performances into the Controversiae (Debates) and Suasoriae (Persuasions). The Controversiae record the arguments and techniques of the leading declaimers of the Augustan age. The Suasoriae record deliberative speeches on historical or mythological themes. Together they provide an unrivalled picture of the rhetorical culture that shaped Roman education and literature.
Works (4)
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1
Controversiae oratory
A collection of rhetorical exercises — controversiae (mock legal cases) and suasoriae (deliberative speeches) — recording the declamations of the grea...
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2
Excerpta Controversiae oratory
Excerpts from Seneca the Elder's collection of controversiae — rhetorical exercises on fictional legal cases.
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