Cultural Exchange and Social Integration: A Prosopographical Study of the Poet Aurelius Sempronius Serenus in Leptis Magna

Abstract

This study examines the figure of Aurelius Sempronius Serenus, an Egyptian poet of mixed origins (Italian – Egyptian), who settled in Leptis Magna during the late third and early fourth centuries AD.The study employs the historical method and Prosopography to analyze four Latin and Greek inscriptions discovered in the city. The findings reveal that Serenus held Roman citizenship and the rank of Roman Knight, and that he served as the Director of the city of Alexandria, reflecting his high administrative and financial status. The inscriptions also indicate that he received exceptional honors, including the dedication of two statues – one in Alexandria and another in Leptis- use of acrostic poetic technique, and the allocation of front-row seats in the theater for his family, alongside the most prominent aristocratic families of Leptis Magna. The study concludes that Serenus relocation to Leptis was likely motivated by political factors stemming from third-century turmoil in Egypt, as well as by promising economic opportunities in Leptis Magna as a commercial hub, and by his distinguished literary standing. The study highlights Serenus' success in integrating into the local elite despite being an outsider, underscoring his community's openness to external talent and the extent of cultural exchange between Egypt and Leptis. Finally, the study recommends further research on immigrant figures to better understand the social dynamics in Leptis Magna and other cities of the Tripolitania region.