The Interpretatio Romana as a Principle of Translation in Jerome

Abstract

How does Tammuz become Adonis and a monument become a triumphal arch? Based on the Interpretatio Romana, this article shows how Jerome stylises the ancient Babylonian shepherd deity Tammuz into the popular Roman Adonis. Another example of this approach is the depiction of King Saul memorialising himself on Mount Carmel with a triumphal arch for his victory over the Amalekites in 1 Sam 15:12. Both verses show a time-critical translator Jerome, who at the same time ironically exaggerates the biblical as well as his contemporary social and power relations.