Latin Cento Poetry

Literary/ Cultural Context Essay

Sara Ehrling (Gothenburg University)

Ed. by Magdalena Ohrman, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.1.2: Ancient Roman Writing and Culture (Republic and Empire), -750-476.
Vol. editors: Anca Dan (École Practique de Hautes Études PSL), Martine Diepenbroek (University of Johannesburg), William John Dominik (University of Otago), Giacomo Fedeli (University of Exeter), Victoria Fendel (University of Oxford), Thomas Habinek (University of Southern California), Emily Kneebone (University of Nottingham), Elodie Paillard (University of Sydney), Sophia Papaioannou (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Guendalina Daniela Maria Taietti (University of Liverpool), Jula Wildberger (American University of Paris)

Domains

Literature Topic

Dates

Date of occurrence c.200- c.550

Places

Ancient Rome (Republic & Empire) (Location)

Genres and Modes

Poetry (any)

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The original meaning of the Latin word

cento

is “patchwork”, and

cento

as a literary term means “patchwork-poem”. Centos occur in different languages and in different periods. They are generally compiled from quotations from prominent texts. Tertullian (CE 150/170–c. 230) is the first Latin author who uses the word

cento

in a literary context. He is followed by other Church fathers: Augustine, Jerome and Isidorus. Ausonius (CE c. 310-395) is the only ancient author who gives a thorough discussion on cento-poetry.

There are 17 ancient Latin centos extant today. Sixteen of these are compiled from Virgilian quotations; one is compiled from Ovidian quotations. The eldest Latin cento is the tragedy Medea by a certain Hosidius Geta (c. CE 200). The Latin centos cover various themes:

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971 words

Citation: Ehrling, Sara. "Latin Cento Poetry". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 31 October 2013 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=19338, accessed 23 November 2024.]

Latin Cento Poetry

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