We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
DISASTROUS EARTHQUAKES IN LUCRETIUS AND THE SIBYLLINE ORACLES.
- Authors
Kayachev, Boris
- Abstract
In the final book of his poem Lucretius spends some time discussing earthquakes and their causes (6.535–607). In accordance with the standard Epicurean practice, Lucretius considers four alternative physical mechanisms that may be responsible for the phenomenon. The first three explanations involve three different kinds of subterranean matter—rock (6.543–51), water (6.552–6) and air (6.557–76)—causing the commotion of the earth's deeper regions, which is then transmitted to the surface. The fourth type of earthquake is different, as it is produced by the seismic agent affecting the surface directly and potentially causing its deformation rather than just trembling. This happens when a gust of subterranean wind (6.583–4) exagitata foras erumpitur et simul altam diffindens terram magnum concinnat hiatum.
- Subjects
LUCRETIUS Carus, Titus, ca. 99 B.C.-55 B.C.; EARTHQUAKES; ORACULA Sibyllina; DEFORMATIONS (Mechanics); WINDS
- Publication
Classical Quarterly, 2018, Vol 68, Issue 1, p333
- ISSN
0009-8388
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1017/S0009838818000174