Robbers, Matrons, and the Roman Identity of Haemus’ Tale in Apul. Met. 7,5-8

This paper focuses on the tale invented by the false robber Haemus in Apul. Met. 7,5-8. Based as it is on the opposition between the periphery and the centre of the Empire (aula Caesaris), between robbers on the one hand and court functionaries, soldiers, and matrons on the other, this tale offers an interesting example of Roman and imperial perspective inside Apuleius’ novel, which criticism has not yet highlighted enough. In particular this paper explores the topographic details (esp. litus Actiacum), the characterization of Haemus’ antagonist, the virile matron Plotina, and the way in which geographical setting and the construction of this female figure turn out to be mutually functional.