Il panegirico ennodiano e il consolato di Venanzio (507)

Ennodius’ panegyric is often considered as a gratiarum actio written to thank Theoderic on behalf of the Church or the praetorian prefect Faustus, but the mentions of the consulate occurring in the oration and its political context indicate that it should be related to the consulate of Venantius (507), a young relative of Ennodius. The latter recited the panegyric at the behest of Venantius, following a common practice in Ostrogothic Italy, in order to strengthen his ties with the young man’s family and show the civilitas of Theoderic, under whose auspices consuls had regained the prestige they once enjoyed.