Dionysiaca

The Dionysiaca is an epic poem written by Nonnus, a Greek poet of the 5th century AD. It is the longest surviving poem from antiquity, consisting of 48 books and over 20,000 lines. The poem is a retelling of the myth of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and ecstasy, from his birth to his apotheosis.

The Dionysiaca is characterized by its elaborate and ornate style, often employing complex mythological genealogies and intricate descriptions. Nonnus draws heavily from a vast array of Greek myths, weaving together numerous narratives and characters into his overarching story of Dionysus. The poem is particularly notable for its detailed accounts of Dionysus's youthful adventures, his conquest of India, and his eventual integration into the Olympian pantheon.

While the poem was largely overlooked for centuries, it has experienced a revival of scholarly interest in modern times. Scholars analyze the Dionysiaca for its insights into late antique culture, religious beliefs, and literary traditions. Its rich mythological content and unique poetic style make it a significant, albeit challenging, work of Greek literature. The poem's sheer scale and the breadth of its mythological references contribute to its status as a remarkable monument of ancient Greek epic poetry.