The compound term caelicola is first attested, in its plural form, in Ennius’ Annales (445), where it refers to the dii superi. This meaning recurs in many poetic contexts, primarily epic, until the early Imperial age. Apuleius is the first known author to use the word in prose (Socr. 6 p. 15,14; Plat. 1,11 p. 101,10; 1,12 p. 102,4). In Late Antiquity, caelicola retains its original mythological sense, while in some Christian authors it acquires the additional meaning of angeli (Paul. Nol. carm. 18,14; Comm. apol. 1012; Drac. laud. Dei 2,483). In a letter by Augustine (epist. 44,13) and in legal compilations (Cod. Theod. 16,5,43; 16,8; 16,8,19; Cod. Iust. 1,9; 1,9,12), the plural Caelicolae identifies a syncretistic sect active in North Africa during the fourth and fifth centuries.
caelicola
Arrighini, Andrea
2025-01-01
Abstract
The compound term caelicola is first attested, in its plural form, in Ennius’ Annales (445), where it refers to the dii superi. This meaning recurs in many poetic contexts, primarily epic, until the early Imperial age. Apuleius is the first known author to use the word in prose (Socr. 6 p. 15,14; Plat. 1,11 p. 101,10; 1,12 p. 102,4). In Late Antiquity, caelicola retains its original mythological sense, while in some Christian authors it acquires the additional meaning of angeli (Paul. Nol. carm. 18,14; Comm. apol. 1012; Drac. laud. Dei 2,483). In a letter by Augustine (epist. 44,13) and in legal compilations (Cod. Theod. 16,5,43; 16,8; 16,8,19; Cod. Iust. 1,9; 1,9,12), the plural Caelicolae identifies a syncretistic sect active in North Africa during the fourth and fifth centuries.
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