Paradoxography

Paradoxography is a genre of Classical literature which deals with the occurrence of abnormal or inexplicable phenomena of the natural or human worlds. Aratus of Soli's 'Phaenomena' (c.240 BC) provides perhaps the earliest example of the genre, being partially concerned with unusual manifestations of weather as signs from the Gods.

Phlegon of Tralles's 'Book of Marvels', which dates from the 2nd century AD is perhaps the most famous example of the genre, including in the main, stories of human abnormalities. Phlegon's brief accounts of prodigies and wonders include ghost stories, accounts of monstrous births, strange animals like centaurs, hermaphrodites, giant skeletons and prophesying heads. Phlegon's writing is characterised by brief and forthright description, as well as by a tongue-in-cheek insistence on the veracity of his claims.

Bibliography

William Hansen (ed. & tr.), Phlegon of Tralles' Book of Marvels. Exeter: University of Exeter Press, 1996