Claudian, volume 1 (of 2) With an English translation by Maurice Platnauer

"Claudian, Volume 1" by Claudius Claudianus is a compilation of poems from the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD, showcasing Claudian as one of Rome's final great poets. Beginning with an introduction that situates Claudian amidst a turbulent era in Roman history, the book opens with a poem honoring Consuls Probinus and Olybrius, glorifying their accomplishments and ancestry through vivid illustrations that touch on power, heritage, and godly influence. Building on this foundation, the preface to Claudian's "First Book Against Rufinus" suggests deep-seated conflicts within Roman governance and alludes to the political machinations that led to Rufinus's ruin. The collection weaves together historical figures, mythological elements, and themes of praise and political intrigue, forming a tapestry of late Roman society as seen through Claudian's poetic lens.