Page 120 - Envoys and Political Communication in the Late Antique West 411 - 533

Envoys and Political Communication,411–533

conventions of panegyric. The portrait of Avitus as an envoy, however,
is unprecedented in imperial encomium. Its uniqueness suggests that the
portrait served a specific purpose, and is the key to understanding the
issues which Sidonius addressed in his public declamation.

themes andplotofthe panegyric
As a work of fiction, the Panegyric communicates its message through the
repetition of central themes and the development of its plot. The central
theme of the poem is the need for military action against the Vandals,
presented as the overriding political issue of the day. The plot traces the
development of relations between Avitus and the Goths of Toulouse.
Theme and plot meet in the climax: Avitus’ elevation and his personal
ties with the Goths promise new strength for the western empire against
the threat from Carthage. 38
The central theme of the work is established in the opening lines of
the poem. Rome’s destiny is to grow greater out of adversity: this ancient
image, employed by Sidonius in the opening address, tactfully broaches
the subject of the recent disaster while simultaneously introducing Avitus’
39
potential as Rome’s restorer. The Vandals are not named until later in the
poem; mere allusion to recent adversities is sufficient. Avitus is identified
as the cause of the city’s destined restoration: ‘Now she begins to rise
once more with an emperor for consul.’ 40 The Senate will see Avitus
not only in his consular celebrations, but also in his triumph over the
barbarians. 41
The first speech of the poem, delivered by Roma to Jupiter, develops
this theme. Again the Vandals are not mentioned, Roma’s appearence –
stumbling, bowed, dishevelled – sufficing to indicate the historical
42
context. Jupiter promises renewal, in the person of Avitus.
This opening is a statement of policy. It defines political priorities: the
Vandal attack is the most important issue in the West. The purpose of

38
Cf. Harrison, ‘Verse Panegyrics of Sidonius’, 126–45; Lynette Watson, ‘Representing the Past,
Redefining the Future: Sidonius Apollinaris’ Panegyrics of Avitus and Anthemius’, in Mary Whitby
(ed.), The Propaganda of Power: The Role of Panegyric in Late Antiquity (Leiden, 1998), 177–98, esp.
188–90: Watson rightly notes that treaties, rather than military conquest, are important in the
Pan. But as a literary theme, treaties are very secondary to the presentation of the person of Avitus
as an envoy.
39
Sid. Ap., Carm. vii, 5–7. The image goes back to Livy; for references: MGH AA 8, 390 (Loci
similes to Carm. v, 63), 395 (to Carm. vii, 5ff ). The use of this image most recent in time to
Sidonius is Rutilius Claudius Namatianus, De reditu suo sive iter gallicum, ed. ErnstDoblhofer,
2 vols. (Heidelberg, 1972), i, 129–30.
40 41
Sid. Ap., Carm. vii, 7–8: modo principe surgit consule. Sid. Ap., Carm. vii, 8–10.
42
Sid. Ap., Carm. vii, 45–9;at 116 Roma calls herself capta.
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