Claudian, Volume 1 (of 2)with an English Translation by Maurice Platnauer

A collection of poetic works written in the late 4th to early 5th century AD. The text features a series of poems composed by Claudian, who is typically regarded as the last major poet of ancient Rome, including themes of praise for notable figures and events of his time. Notable characters mentioned include the consuls Probinus and Olybrius, as well as references to other historical and mythological figures interwoven throughout his works. The opening of the volume includes an introduction to Claudian's life and context, establishing him as a poet active during a tumultuous period in Rome’s history. The initial poem is a panegyric dedicated to the consuls Probinus and Olybrius, celebrating their achievements and lineage while invoking the grandeur of their office. Claudian employs rich imagery and classical references, engaging with themes of power, legacy, and the divine, setting the tone for the subsequent works in the volume. The preface to his First Book Against Rufinus builds upon this exploration by hinting at tensions within Roman leadership, particularly focusing on the political intrigues surrounding Rufinus's downfall.