MENDACIORUM LOQUACISSIMUS. IL GIUDIZIO SU TACITO DI TERTULLIANO (APOL. 16, 3 = AD NAT. I 11, 1-4) TRA RETORICA E POLEMICA RELIGIOSA

Abstract

SVMMARIVM – De iudicio de Taciti loquacitate, quod Tertullianus scripsit in Apologetico
imitatus locum quendam e Ciceronis oratione Pro Flacco desumptum. Fortasse loquacissimus
opponitur eloquentissimo quo Plinius Iunior Tacitum laudat: ueritatem eloquentia exprimit,
loquacitas autem mendacia.

ABSTRACT – This article analyzes Tertullian’s judgment on Tacitus. In particular, it is noted
that in all probability there is a reference to a passage of Cicero’s Pro Flacco. In any case, it
is not excluded that Tertullian wanted to overturn Pliny’s famous judgment on Tacitus. Eloquentia
is synonymous with uerum, while loquacitas expresses mendacia.