Abstract

Translating in his Arati Phaenomena the Aratean myth of Orion and the scorpion, Germanicus introduces a series of allusions to the parallel episode in the proem of Nicander’s Theriaka, which was modelled in turn on the passage of Aratus’ Phaenomena. In so doing, Germanicus emphasizes the intertextual connection between the two hellenistic poems, and incorporates both of them in his Aratean translation. At the same time, some of these Nicandrean borrowings are reformulated through the use of Virgilian vocabulary. The Orion episode can therefore be seen as a sample of Germanicus’ poetical technique and allusive art, highlighting the various components of his refined literary culture.