Just got back from a very interesting paper on “The Return of Nero in Hellenistic Oracles” by Rollin Kearns (Ohio Wesleyan University). Kearns discussed how oracles concerning Nero, the fleeing Nero (the “haughty one”), and the notion of his return developed very early (even before the death of Nero). His survey of Sibylline Oracles (5.214-221, 4.117-124 and 137-139; 5.361-374) unpacked various dimensions of these expectations and linked them up with our historical knowledge of Nero’s activities, including his activity in building a canal at Corinth, which was often interpreted as an action against nature, for instance (“he smote the rock with hardened bronze. He will destroy and ravage your land”). Earlier in the day, the discussion in the Greco-Roman seminar on Harrill’s forthcoming book went very well (see the post before last for the topic). Look out for that book on slavery which is due to be released at November SBL, I believe.

Overall, this conference has been a good experience, and it was nice to see the character of conferences in Europe and to see the positive changes that the fall of communism has brought here.