Recent studies have reconsidered the question of the origins of the progym-nasmata and the record of their existence ain first-century BCE rhetoric. A cross-examination of Cicero’s De oratore alongside evidence from Quintilian and Theon reveals numerous points of contact between the programme of exercitatio through writing outlined by Crassus (1.147-159) and the teaching of the progymnasmata, in terms of content, didactic methodology, and pedagogical principles. This investi-gation allows for a more precise definition of teaching methods adopted in Rome between the first century BCE and the first century CE, catching in fieriu3 the processes that would eventually lead to a well-structured curriculum articulated on two levels: the preparatory course and the practice of declamation
Cicerone, il de oratore e la retorica dei progymnasmata
Francesco Berardi
2026-01-01
Abstract
Recent studies have reconsidered the question of the origins of the progym-nasmata and the record of their existence ain first-century BCE rhetoric. A cross-examination of Cicero’s De oratore alongside evidence from Quintilian and Theon reveals numerous points of contact between the programme of exercitatio through writing outlined by Crassus (1.147-159) and the teaching of the progymnasmata, in terms of content, didactic methodology, and pedagogical principles. This investi-gation allows for a more precise definition of teaching methods adopted in Rome between the first century BCE and the first century CE, catching in fieriu3 the processes that would eventually lead to a well-structured curriculum articulated on two levels: the preparatory course and the practice of declamationI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
