Hannibal in Gades: An Inquiry into the Poetic Technique of Silius Italicus in "Punica" Three

Abstract

Located in Punica Three, the description of Hercules’ temple and Hannibal’s prophetic dream serve as important instruments of both narrative and poetic techniques, both anticipating events to come and positioning the plot within the intricate nexus of symbols and intertextual allusions that appear to strengthen the Carthaginian’s resolve while simultaneously emphasizing the futility of his efforts. At the same time, the two may be studied as examples of sophisticated poetic technique, their reading heavily dependent on reader’s knowledge of the semantic framework of Greco-Roman culture.