The first part of the article is a translation of the collection of progymnasmata (rhetorical exercises) attributed to Hermogenes (probably 2nd century AD). The second part contains an accompanying text with a brief description of the origin of the exercises and a list of the collections that have survived from antiquity. The author conjectures that the origin of the exercises needs to be sought in the dispute that raged between rhetoricians and philosophers in the fourth century AD and did not subside until the end ofantiquity. Individual exercises from the collection are then analysed and presented with regard to their aims. It is established that the exercises are carefully compiled and skilfully arranged so as to ensure the best possible use of study time and the highest possible level of retention of acquired knowledge.

Rights