Parodies of Imperial Discourse in Sixth-Century AD Greek Epigrams

Sixth-century Greek book epigrams can offer insights into debates and ideas present in their historical context, also into the shaping of a Christian polity. Through a case study of two epigrams, this article explores how these pointed and playful compositions parody and subvert imperial discourse thanks to intertextual allusions to Justinian’s legislation, chiefly his Novellae. The first epigram (AP XI.238) is an example of criticism on administrative decisions, namely the appointment of an official, probably John the Cappadocian, by the emperor. The second epigram (AP V.302) shows farther-reaching criticism on Justinian’s legal and moral reforms regarding marriage and sexual behaviour; it emphasises that sexual gratification is not possible anymore in the society reshaped by the emperor.