This collection offers a new collaborative reading of Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica: one of the most important Greek epics written at the height of the Roman Empire. Building on the surge of interest in imperial Greek poetry seen in the past decades, this book applies new approaches - literary, theoretical and historical - to ask new questions about this mysterious, challenging poet and to re-evaluate his role in the cultural history of his time.

Bringing together experienced imperial epic scholars and new voices in this growing field, the chapters reveal Quintus’ crucial place within the inherited epic tradition and his role in shaping the literary and identity politics of Late Antique society.