Hermes 144 (4):419-438 (
2016)
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Abstract
Some of the characters of „In Verrem“ carry evocative names that aptly describe the characters’ occupation or personality traits. Cicero most likely invented these names, and this probable name manipulation can be reconciled with the expectation(s) of his contemporary reading public. This observation, however, begs the question why Cicero does not make any explicit use of the inherent potential of these types of names for his argument. Probably, his preference for odd, catchy names instead of inconspicuous ones enables him to speak about certain persons without actually naming them and - at the same moment - to clearly inform his recipients that he is treading on dangerous territory.