Petronii Cena Trimalchionis, presented here with a brief introduction and notes by Edward Payson Crowell, offers a vivid and satirical glimpse into the life of a nouveau riche freedman in first-century Rome. The work, a fragment of Petronius Arbiter's larger novel, "The Satyricon," centers on the extravagant and often absurd dinner party hosted by Trimalchio, a former slave who has amassed great wealth.
Through sharp wit and keen observation, Petronius critiques the vulgarity, ostentation, and social climbing prevalent in Roman society. The narrative provides invaluable insights into the culture, customs, and language of the Roman Empire, making it a crucial text for students of classics, history, and literature. This edition aims to make Petronius's masterpiece accessible to a wider audience, providing context and explanations to enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of this enduring work.
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