Dead on Time: Valerius Maximus 9.13 and Stoicism

Abstract

Abstract Valerius Maximus’ collection ofexemplahas received attention from modern scholars as a window into the morality of the early imperial period at Rome: for example, the recent work of Rebecca Langlands has drawn out the ethical complexities of the text. Little has been said, however, about the possible formal philosophical context of Valerius’ work since the suggestion of Franz Römer in 1990 that theFacta et Dicta Memorabiliawas deliberately structured to represent the Stoic cardinal virtues. This paper argues that there is a place for further study of the language and ideology of Stoicism in theFacta et Dicta Memorabilia. To illustrate this point, chapter 9.13:De Cupiditate Vitaeand its accompanying series of threeexemplaunder the titleQuam Exquisita Custodia Vsi Sint Quibus Suspecti Domestici Fueruntare examined in detail. It is argued that Valerius’ selection and framing of hisexemplaare in close sympathy with Stoic ideas of rational death, the passions, and the importance of self-control.

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