Neoplatonism and Poetics in Ancient Greek and Byzantine Literature

Abstract

The influence of Neoplatonic themes and leitmotivs can be traced in Greek literature during the Late Roman and Byzantine periods, especially in hexametric poetry where ancient Homeric models were updated and enriched with theological and philosophical nuances. This article examines the origin of Neoplatonic Aesthetics and Poetics in the context of this philosophical school by classifying the first examples of the use of poetry in Neoplatonism and aiming at some general taxonomy of Neoplatonic poetry. The central focus is on early Byzantine poetry: the so-called Nonnian School (fifth-seventh centuries), arguably the first example of the application of such aesthetics. Examples from several poets, such as Nonnus, Christodorus, Paul the Silentiary, John of Gaza and George of Pisidia are examined. Lastly, I present some instances of later Neoplatonic poetry, with a survey of select examples of Middle and Late Byzantine literature. From its very beginning, this poetry was influenced by Neoplatonism, a common ground for all Byzantine philosophy and theology. The aim of this contribution is to provide a general overview of the issue of Neoplatonism and Poetics in pre-modern Greek Literature.