Second Sophistic school
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The Second Sophistic was a literary movement in the Greco-Roman world, primarily during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. It marked a revival of Greek prose and oratory, focusing on rhetorical instruction and the study of classical Greek authors.1
This movement was characterized by its "backward-looking" approach, emulating the styles of Athenian writers from the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, leading some members to be called "Atticists". Key figures associated with the Second Sophistic include Polemon of Athens, Herodes Atticus, and Aelius Aristides. While the movement's impulse weakened by the 3rd century CE, its influence extended to writers of prose romances and historians. The term "Sophist" itself evolved from meaning a skilled person to a professional teacher, and later, in a negative sense, to a quibbler.12
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Hellenistic ageLiterature…the movement known as the Second Sophistic, which belongs mainly to the 2nd century ce. Its finest practitioner was Dio Chrysostom (c. 40–c. 110 ce). Herodes Atticus (c. 101–177 ce) and the flowery Marcus Antonius Polemon (c. 88–144 ce) had much influence; more survives from the dull, Athens-loving hypochondriac Publius
Read More…the movement known as the Second Sophistic, which belongs mainly to the 2nd century ce. Its finest practitioner was Dio Chrysostom (c. 40–c. 110 ce). Herodes Atticus (c. 101–177 ce) and the flowery Marcus Antonius Polemon (c. 88–144 ce) had much influence; more survives from the dull, Athens-loving hypochondriac Publius
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Greek literatureLate forms of prose…revival is known as the Second Sophistic movement, and chief among its writers were Dion Chrysostom (1st century ad), Aelius Aristides (2nd century), and Philostratus (early 3rd century). The only writer of consequence, however, was Lucian (c. 120–c. 190). His works are mainly slight and satirical; but his gift of…
Read More…revival is known as the Second Sophistic movement, and chief among its writers were Dion Chrysostom (1st century ad), Aelius Aristides (2nd century), and Philostratus (early 3rd century). The only writer of consequence, however, was Lucian (c. 120–c. 190). His works are mainly slight and satirical; but his gift of…
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ancient RomeCultural lifeThe so-called Second Sophistic reverted to the atticism of an earlier day but often in a Roman spirit; its products from the Asian pens of Dio Chrysostom and Aelius Aristides are sometimes limpid and talented tours de force but rarely great literature. In Greek, too, the best…
Read MoreThe so-called Second Sophistic reverted to the atticism of an earlier day but often in a Roman spirit; its products from the Asian pens of Dio Chrysostom and Aelius Aristides are sometimes limpid and talented tours de force but rarely great literature. In Greek, too, the best…
Read More- ancient RomeCultural life from the Antonines to Constantine
The Second Sophistic school reigned in every area: in rhetoric, history, philosophy, and even in the sciences. Schools of rhetoric and philosophy prospered in the East—in Smyrna, Ephesus, Pergamum, Rhodes, Alexandria, and even in Athens—protected and subsidized by the emperors, from Vespasian to Marcus Aurelius. The…
Read MoreThe Second Sophistic school reigned in every area: in rhetoric, history, philosophy, and even in the sciences. Schools of rhetoric and philosophy prospered in the East—in Smyrna, Ephesus, Pergamum, Rhodes, Alexandria, and even in Athens—protected and subsidized by the emperors, from Vespasian to Marcus Aurelius. The…
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