Gli “Strategematon libri” di Giulio Frontino e il maestre de campo don Gil de los Arcos y Alférez

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the baroque version (ca 1650) of Julius Frontinus’ Strategemata, translated by the Spanish soldier Gil de los Arcos y Alférez, and to add a first biographical profile of the translator. Both the translation technique and stylistic/linguistic features are analyzed in the light of the ‘modernizing’ vision of the translator, who turned to new sources to embellish a classical compilation with anecdotes closer to contemporary mindsets. The intent of de los Arcos y Alférez was to re-launch both strategic and ethical aspects of the art of warfare in a period when Spanish military power was in decline and the aristocracy, so closely identified with martial values, was in crisis.

DOI: 10.4424/lam82019-7