Seneca e l’esilio di Giulia maggiore. Tracce del libellus di Augusto in Ben. 6.32

Abstract

This article provides a close reading of Seneca’s De beneficiis 6.32. This passage tackles the story of the emperor Augustus exiling his only daughter Iulia maior by reading a libellus against her in the Senate. It is suggested that Seneca had the original text of the libellus at his disposal, since the passage contains elements which do not belong to his style, and details which we do not find in the historical sources of the event. This passage should be listed among the collection of statements referred to Augustus.