Rethinking Ernesti Today. Challenges and Perspectives

The paper outlines the theoretical and methodological foundations for the creation of a new Ernesti, conceived as a critically revised and digitally enhanced edition of the technical lexica of Greek and Latin rhetoric first published in 1795 and in 1797. After discussing the limitations of the original work, it examines subsequent lexicographical tools, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. As a case study, it analyses the lemma syncrisis, demonstrating how an integrated and comparative approach to the Greek and Latin traditions can reveal more complex conceptual networks. Lastly, the paper defines the requirements for a semantically enriched edition based on XML-TEI encoding and ontologies capable of handling classificatory heterogeneity and supporting advanced queries. Such a resource would enable high-granularity synchronic and diachronic research, allowing scholars to trace with precision the reception and evolution of rhetorical terms across authors, works, genres, and periods.