Source edition
Aristides. Vol. 1. Dindorf, Wilhelm, editor. Leipzig: Reimer, 1829.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a funeral oration composed by the second-century rhetorician Aelius Aristides to mourn the death of Alexander of Cotiaeum, a renowned scholar and his former teacher. The author begins by explaining how he came to write to the council and citizens of Cotiaeum, launching into a eulogy of the deceased's outstanding character and his academic and social achievements. Alexander is depicted as a foundational figure for Greek culture who mastered all fields of learning, educated numerous disciples, and was deeply valued by emperors while remaining humble and generous. As the speech progresses, the author extols Alexander’s eloquence, writings, and intellectual companionship, comparing his influence to that of great philosophers like Aristotle and lamenting the decline of letters caused by his demise. Finally, Aristides recalls his personal debt to Alexander during his own illness in Rome, calls for the protection of the deceased's family, and concludes with a poignant tribute to his enduring virtue and legacy.