Chronoi Talks: "Philodemus on Eternity of the Gods – With a Timely Solution?"
(Hybrid)
Dr. Holger Essler
July 3, 2025
3 - 4 pm (CET)
Venue:
Einstein Center Chronoi
Otto-von-Simson-Straße 7, 14195 Berlin
Philodemus's theological work "On the Gods" is preserved in the Herculaneum Papyri only. These scrolls were carbonized by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and pose many problems in deciphering and reconstruction of text. One of the scrolls (PHerc. 152/157) contains a lengthy section on the eternity (αἰώνιον) of the Epicurean Gods by Philodemus, an Epicurean author contemporary to Cicero.
In his talk Holger Essler will show the challenges and some solutions regarding the reconstruction of the text and try to place its content in the tradition of the Epicurean and other ancient philosophical schools.
Participants can join the online Chronoi Talk by clicking on the following link:
https://fu-berlin.webex.com/fu-berlin/j.php?MTID=m93390cc20ad15340f6cb46903ee0b33a
The conference room can be accessed using the following methods:
Joining directly in your browser; simply click the link above, and look for a button with this option near the bottom of the webpage.
Downloading the program to your computer (instructions can be found by following the meeting link)
Using the smartphone app called "Cisco Webex Meetings."
You are welcome to enter the online conference room up to 15 minutes in advance of the start time.