Cum manibus quaesisset opem sine uoce rogantis (Rom. 5, 261). Linguaggi non verbali ed elementi di actio nelle declamazioni di Draconzio

The paper analyzes the methods of use of non-verbal languages in Dracontius and applies them to oratorical delivery, one of the least studied officia oratoris, especially in Late Antiquity. The attention is mainly focused on Romulea 4, 5 and 9: the visual, tactile and aural tools that the African poet uses to make his arguments quite persuasive and effective are examined through a stylistic approach. The conclusion highlights Dracontius’ excellent representative, imaginative and architectural skills, and suggests the need for further analyses in order to connect the representation of non-verbal languages to the theme of ekphrasis.