Theories of rhetoric in the treatise Against Vagoas of N. Vasilakis

Volonaki, Eleni (2025) Theories of rhetoric in the treatise Against Vagoas of N. Vasilakis. ACTA ANTIQUA ACADEMIAE SCIENTIARUM HUNGARICAE, 65. pp. 349-366. ISSN 0044-5975

Text 068-article-p349.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (387kB)

Abstract

The treatise Against Vagoas was written by Nikephoros Vasilakis in 1157 AD, probably during his exile, and is a rhetorical treatise (controversia), a prosecution speech composed as a model for teaching. The specific speech aims to train students of rhetoric in the so-called invention (euresis), that is, in searching for ways to handle an urgent real or imaginary legal case. The orator uses the demonstrative element of absurdity to attack individuals who display dubious religious beliefs, while at the same time highlighting their conspiracies to overthrow influential figures in the Church. The present study aims to approach and interpret the study Against Vagoas, emphasizing the reception of rhetorical theories, on which the orator himself states that he bases his rhetorical exercise. Vasilakis is influenced by the rhetorical theories of his predecessors, specifically Dionysius of Halicarnassus and Hermogenes, and adopts his own rhetorical methodology, which consists of revealing the truth, the use of proofs and indications, and the examination (elenchos) of the accused. As will be shown, Vasilakis uses rhetorical methods and techniques that are already found in the judicial rhetoric of the classical period, while at the same time he draws on elements of rhetorical theories regarding the structure and composition of speech from late antiquity and the Byzantine period.

Actions (login required)

View Item