Networking through Proems: Some Introductory Remarks

Abstract The papers gathered in this Special Issue explore the networking function of ancient proems across a wide range of literary traditions throughout antiquity, spanning from philosophical, scientific, and hagiographical works to historiographical and poetic ones. The focus is on how ancient authors used proems to situate themselves and their works within larger networks that included literary predecessors and models, but also friends, rivals, dedicatees, and readers, as well as commissioners, patrons, rulers, and even gods and cosmic principles.