Heliodorus is known for his elaborate narrative technique. This effect is due to ekphrasis, a resource widely used by sophists and recommended in textbooks of rhetoric (Progymnasmata). In the first block of the work, Heliodorus uses this resource, but not randomly. There is an image, literally or metaphorically repeating itself: the labyrinth. Our intention is to demonstrate that the repetitions have a commonality, in addition to a strong hermeneutical appeal. Moreover, the labyrinths are introduced in the part where the narrative (...) is skillfully written in medias res. It is precisely in this passage that the reader, as in a labyrinth, is meanderingly led by several paths, until he reaches the understanding of the opening scene, at the mouth of the Nile. The analysis of the procedures used by Heliodorus leads to the conclusion that the succession of textual or imagethic labyrinths places the reader in a game, from which he can only emerge at the end of the fifth book. (shrink)

Amongst all the works within the genre, the novel _Aethiopica_ stands out for its composition techniques. In fact, the author Heliodorus shows the ability of both innovate and astonish readers, by creating scenes and characters, as well as distinguished and completely original situations. Taking the verb μιαίνω as a red string, since it is recurrently used in Heliodorus’ work and also summarizes the idea of miscegenation, some pieces of the romance in which the idea of hybridity, opposition of contraries or, (...) still, the overlapping of elements are highlighted and used in the present study. The results show that miscegenation, besides being a sign of Helidorus’ style, is a technique that gives rise to questioning about social, geographical and cultural conventions of that time. (shrink)

Amongst all the works within the genre, the novel _Aethiopica_ stands out for its composition techniques. In fact, the author Heliodorus shows the ability of both innovate and astonish readers, by creating scenes and characters, as well as distinguished and completely original situations. Taking the verb μιαίνω as a red string, since it is recurrently used in Heliodorus’ work and also summarizes the idea of miscegenation, some pieces of the romance in which the idea of hybridity, opposition of contraries or, (...) still, the overlapping of elements are highlighted and used in the present study. The results show that miscegenation, besides being a sign of Helidorus’ style, is a technique that gives rise to questioning about social, geographical and cultural conventions of that time. (shrink)