Qui a eu l’idée de qualifier Hercule de Victor ? (Macrobe, Sat .iii6 .10–11)

Abstract

A reading of Macrobius’ passage (Sat. III 6.10–11, where the temple of Hercules Victor in Rome is mentioned) shows that this text is an incoherent collage; the use of the word commentum, which must be restored in accordance with the manuscripts, shows that Macrobius’ (and Servius’) source did not himself believe as true the improbable story of Octavius Herrenus, the flautist turned merchant, who would have founded the cult of Hercules Victor. The origin of the Achaean war justifies that Mummius Achaicus established this Tiburtine cult in Rome.