Regalità e otium in Dione di Prusa

The article examines the importance of the theme of otium (analyzed through the study of Greek words of comparable meaning like σχολή, ῥᾳθυμία, ἄνεσις etc.) in relation to the notion of kingship as developed by Dio Chrysostom, especially in his orations περὶ βασιλείας (1, 2, 3, 4). It can be shown that Dio makes use of “Socratic” sources (connections so far neglected with Plato’s Gorgias, for example, will be pointed out) in order to develop rather abstract norms on the king’s “love of labour” (φιλοπονία) and limited enjoyment of otium, but he can also give importance to amusement activities that may reflect real aspects of the emperor’s (that is, Trajan’s) life and personality.