On the Communion of Damasus and Meletius: Fourth-Century Synodal Formulae in the Codex Veronensis LX (review)

This study begins by presenting a critical edition and translation of the 130 lines (in this edition) of Latin text with the rubric Exemplum synodi habitae Romae episcoporum XCIII ex rescripto imperiali. This contains not only the letter Confidimus quidem(JK 232), but also the only surviving excerpts from three other early Roman decretals— Ea gratia fratres, Illud sane miramur, and Non nobis quidquam(none listed in Jaffe/Kaltenbrunner). Field then gives a thorough codicological, text-critical, and historical examination of this dossier in order to provide new insight on the historical situation surrounding the texts themselves as well as the situation that produced them. Field concludes by supporting in large measure the scholarly consensus on the dating and production of the Exemplum synodi: that Confidimus quidemwas issued c.371; that the other three papal letters were issued sometime during the following five years; that c.376 they were excerpted and added to Confidimusto produce the Exemplum; and that finally the other additions as well as the subscriptions which follow in Verona LXwere added at a synod of Antioch in 379. However, the author gives a much more nuanced and convincing Sitz im Lebenfor the documents than any previous study.

Most readers will find chapters four and five the most beneficial. As Field investigates the history of the text, he meticulously reconstructs the late fourth-century interactions of the Roman bishops with the great Eastern sees. In theprocess, Field gives a convincing explanation of the vexing problem of therelationship between the Tome of Damasus(which he dates to 382) andthe related Per ipsum filium(JK 235, c.375-378). However, his account ofthe Tome's fifth-century history (as well as various other discussions inthebook relating to early papal correspondence) fails to give due weight tothe disruption of the papal archives in the early fifth century (probably in the sack of 410). It is this disruption that caused the loss of so many early documents, and which has made the surviving fragments, such as those in the Verona LXdossier, so valuable.

The major drawback of this monograph is Field's own prose—in turn overly dense, obtuse, cryptic, convoluted, and idiosyncratic. The cogent ancient citations are translated in such a wooden style as to be at times unintelligible. Even a person familiar with the documents and issues involved will find himself re-reading passages again and again before (usually) understanding what is being said. This may significantly limit the book's usefulness to scholars who are non-native speakers of English and will certainly turn away all but the most serious undergraduate seeking a foothold in the fascinating worlds of late fourth-century papal history, the schism of Antioch, or the early collections of canons. However, those who tenaciously persevere will find a treasure trove of worthwhile information and insights. Future studies, not just of Verona LX, but of any aspect of the Antiochene schism or Damasus' relationship with Basil and the East, will have to take this work seriously.