Raffaella Cribiore Books

This book is a study of the fourth-century sophist Libanius, a major intellectual figure who ran one of the most prestigious schools of rhetoric in the later Roman Empire. He was a tenacious adherent of pagan religion and a friend of the emperor Julian, but also taught leaders of the early Christian church like St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great. Raffaella Cribiore examines Libanius's training and personality, showing him to be a vibrant educator, though somewhat gloomy and anxious by nature. She traces how he cultivated a wide network of friends and former pupils and courted powerful officials to recruit top students. Cribiore describes his school in Antioch--how students applied, how they were evaluated and trained, and how Libanius reported progress to their families. She details the professional opportunities that a thorough training in rhetoric opened up for young men of the day. Also included here are translations of 200 of Libanius's most important letters on education, almost none of which have appeared in English before. Cribiore casts into striking relief the importance of rhetoric in late antiquity and its influence not only on pagan intellectuals but also on prominent Christian figures. She gives a balanced view of Libanius and his circle against the far-flung panorama of the Greek East.

"This book examines the role of note-taking in ancient education as a pedagogical method, by taking readers on a stimulating analysis of lectures by ancient philosophers that were recorded by their students"--

This book offers a comprehensive study of the educational system for Greeks in Hellenistic and Roman Egypt, providing insights into the broader educational practices of the Greco-Roman world. It details how individuals learned, taught, and practiced literacy, the functioning of schools, and the curriculum. Raffaella Cribiore utilizes over 400 papyri, ostraca, and tablets, showcasing a range of materials from basic alphabet exercises to advanced rhetorical compositions. The abundance of source material from Egypt makes it a key reference point, while also extending its examination to the Greek East through the letters of the Antiochene Libanius related to education. The first section investigates the dynamics of teaching and learning, highlighting the roles of teachers, parents, and students. The second part outlines the educational progression from elementary to advanced levels. Cribiore delves into school exercises, as well as the books and commentaries used in education, an area previously underexplored. This allows for a thorough evaluation of the three main stages of a liberal education: the elementary teacher, grammarian, and rhetorician. Additionally, the book addresses female education and the influence of families in the educational process. This work is an essential resource for students and scholars interested in the ancient world and the history of education.