Original scientific paper

Antun Vrančić and Monumentum Ancyranum

Bratislav Lučin ; Marulianum Split

Abstract

This paper provides a review of sources and the state of research about the discovery of the inscription Res gestae divi Augusti, with a particular emphasis on the still insufficiently clear, and in Croatia inadequately known, role of Antun Vrančić in the finding and making of the first copies of the celebrated Monumentum Ancyranum. After the introduction (1), basic information (2) is given about the origin of Res gestae and the most completely preserved text, which is carved on the walls of the temple of Roma and Augustus in Ankara. After that (3) a short account of the life of Antun Vrančić is provided, with a description of the circumstances of the embassy to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent during which in 1555 the discovery occurred. Portraits are given of the main members of the mission, of which Antun Vrančić was the leading figure. After this (5) the testimonies of direct participants (Hans Dernschwam, Joannes Belsius, Augier Ghislain de Busbecq) are set out, as well as indirect information (for no other is available) about the role of Antun Vrančić in the finding and copying of the inscription left by the philologists, antiquarians and publishers Hans Löwenklau, Carolus Clusius and György Pray. Discussed in addition are reports about the events and the participants noted by Stephanus Pighius, Andreas Schott and Joannes Lipsius. The fate of the now lost copy of the text that Antun Vrančić left to his nephew Faust is also considered. Then follows an analysis of the witness accounts (6), the testimonies of those immediately involved in the discovery being privileged, but later witnesses also being taken into consideration as far as is possible, as well as some of the features of the first three printed editions of Res gestae divi Augusti (Schott, 1579; Löwenklau, 1588; Lipsius, 1588). Finally, concurring with the Hungarian scholars Lajos Tardy and Éva Moskovszky it is concluded that it was most probably Antun Vrančić himself and his aide and the secretary of the mission Joannes Belsius who decided to make a copy of Res gestae divi Augusti, and who should perhaps also be credited with the discovery of this famous inscription. More reliable conclusions will be possible only if the accounts of the prime witness, Antun Vrančić, ever emerege.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

240911

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/240911

Publication date:

29.6.2020.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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