Symmachus and Protadius: the theme of silence and the morbus legendi

The epistolary exchange between Symmachus and Protadius (Symm. epist. 4.17-34) is characterized by two main topics, namely the necessity of silence and the desire to read. Those two are interlinked and mutually counterposed. In letter book 4, which outlines the relationship with Stilicho and is devoted to the rehabilitation of Nicomachus Flavianus iunior, Protadius’ obsession with Symmachus’ writings (morbus legendi) and Symmachus’ repeated refusals to write symbolize the latter’s difficulty to deal with the massive changes affecting his family and his world.

Keywords: Symmachus, Protadius, silence, letter writing, public engagement.