Images of Alexandria in the writings of the Second Sophistic

In the history of Alexandria, the years between about AD 75 and 225 constituted a period of renewed status and prosperity. The period and its products are referred to under the label of the 'Second Sophistic', a term derived from Philostratus' analysis of the great show orators, and extended to cover the whole field of literary activity. Achilles Tatius' Leucippe and Clitophon, Philostratus' Life of Apollonius of Tyana and Athenaeus' Deipnosophists though varying in their individual purposes and emphases, all share and respond to the demands of the time. Achilles gives us what looks like a standard perception of the physical aspect of Alexandria, neatly turned to a particular context in an erotic novel. The historical and administrative record is full of instances of Alexandrian volatility, wit and flippancy tilting over into dangerous confrontation, the quick step from boisterousness to riot and violence. Philostratus is notoriously selective in his coverage, even within his chosen area of sophistic rhetoric

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