The reception history of Palaephatus 1 (On the Centaurs) in Ancient and Byzantine texts

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of passages from ancient and Byzantine literature which respond to Palaephatus’ rationalistic treatment of the Centaurs (Peri Apiston 1). It demonstrates that this entry of Palaephatus’ text was transmitted in a stable form from the Hellenistic original to the editio princeps. Further, it examines how subsequent authors used Palaephatus’ interpretation, and each worked this material into his text. The reception history of Palaephatus’ “On the Centaurs” reveals the fluctuating reputation of the writer and the diverse uses that his arguments could be put to. Despite clear evidence that his rejection of the Centaurs on biological grounds and his explanation of stories about them as pertaining to the historical development of equestrian skill were circulating quite widely in antiquity, Palaephatus is not named as an authority on this topic outside of the context of Imperial rhetorical training. His status amongst late antique chroniclers and Byzantine scholars is quite different: in these contexts he is usually cited with respect, and his interpretations discussed at length, elaborated on, and sometimes disputed.