La trasfigurazione della storia nel «Bellum Geticum» di Claudiano

This paper deals with Claudian\u2019s epic-historical poem Bellum Geticum, where the author praises Stilicho\u2019s achievements during Alaric\u2019s invasion of Italy (401 A.D.). The essay starts with a brief exposition of the historical events, and then proceedes with a critical investigation on Claudian\u2019s attempts to transfigure them in a more acceptable reality for his audience. Roman past is idealised; the half-barbarian Stilicho unifies in his person all the military and tactical skills of Rome\u2019s greatest generals; Alaric is portrayed both as a fierce barbarian dressed in pelts and as a new Hannibal; lastly, Stilicho\u2019s little success on Alaric in the battle of Pollentia is celebrated as the final and conclusive revenge of the the imperial armies for the defeat suffered by the hands of the Goths at Adrianople in 378 A.D