Author: JvW

Are the ‘Blue Rocks’ Rio and Antirrio?

Early-modern and modern commentaries are typically found as part of editions of Sidonius’ work. There is, however, a separate manuscript series of notes towards a commentary on the Epithalamium for Ruricius and Hiberia (Carm. 10-11) by the French historiographer Étienne Baluze (1630-1718) in BNF Baluze 126. It is in several parts: ff. 172-194 on the Epithalamium (on its beginnning in particular here); ff. 195-199 quotations and various notes, possibly relating to the commentary; ff. 200-213 on de Praefatio. Interestingly, Baluze tries to solve the conundrum of the opening of the Epithalamium by interpreting Cyaneas … cautes as the capes of Rio and Antirrio, which delimit the Gulf of Corinth to the west.

Launching the Sidonius Commentary

On 23 February 2026, Radboud University will present the new commentary by Joop van Waarden on a selection of the letters of Sidonius. The work will appear in Cambridge University Press’s “Green and Yellow” series. The first copy will be presented to Professor Daniël den Hengst (emeritus, University of Amsterdam). Professor Gavin Kelly (University of Edinburgh) will provide an introduction, while Professor Giulia Marolla (Pegaso University) is to present a sample of her latest Sidonius research.

Venue: Huize Heyendael (“Het Kasteeltje”), Geert Grooteplein Noord 9, Nijmegen. Time: 4 – 6 p.m., including a reception. All welcome as long as there is room. Kindly RSVP to joop.vanwaarden@ru.nl. It will also be possible to join via Teams: registration at the same email address.