Leucius Charinus wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 4:47 pm
Peter Kirby wrote: ↑Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:22 am
So that leaves you with:
(1) the first quotation or other utilisation of the text by some other datable work
(2) the earliest proof of existence of the texts, represented by the earliest physical extant manuscript copy, where the manuscript is dated by:
(2) (a) stratiographic analysis (via archeology)
(2) (b) re-use of manuscript on recto or verso, when the re-use can be dated
(2) (c) paleography
(2) (d) ink analysis
(2) (e) C14
Are you familiar with any other methods for fixing a terminus ad quem date for the original composition of a text (which is not the same thing as the terminus ad quem for the dating of an individual manuscript)?
There are probably other methods. Feel free to elaborate.
ETA1: e.g. prosopography;
ETA2: one might also include textual and redaction criticism
Here for example is a discussion of an important first century author:
https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/di ... ioscorides
A letter attached to Dioscorides’s work as a dedicatory preface reveals almost all that is known of his life. The letter states that Dioscorides lived a soldier’ life; this enabled him to learn at first hand the identity, preparation, and uses of medicines. Galen names his birthplace,1 and some manuscript notations add the name Pedanius. Some authorities believe that Dioscorides studied at Tarsus and Alexandria and later attached himself to the Roman army as a military physician. These suppositions are based on his statement that he led a “soldier-like life” (σισδα γάρήμīν στρα⊤ιω⊤кòν ⊤óν βιоν);, his remark that he has “lived” (σενδιáγоν⊤εѕ) with Areius of Tarsus, and the likelihood that his travels would have taken him to Alexandria, where he could have had access to the library. Dioscorides has been dated both by the mention of his contemporaries and by Galen’s use of Dioscorides’ work. Erotian (fl. caa.d. 60), a commentator of the Hippocratic works who lived during the Neronian age, mentions Dioscorides (assuming that the name is not an interpolation).2 In his letter to Areius, Dioscorides mentions Laecanius Bassus, presumed to be C. Laecanius Bassus, consul in A.D.64, who is spoken of by Pliny and Tacitus.3 Quintus Sextius Niger (fl 25 b.c.) is the latest writer whom Dioscorides cites. Pliny the Elder did not know Dioscorides’ works directly, but certain similarities between Pliny’s and Dioscorides’ texts are explained by their having employed the same written source, Sextius Niger.
Several arguments are made to narrow down the date:
(i) “lived” (σενδιáγоν⊤εѕ) with Areius of Tarsus [first century medical teacher]
(ii) a possibly-interpolated reference from Erotian (fl. caa.d. 60)
(iii) a reference in the text to C. Laecanius Bassus, consul in A.D.64
Corresponding to:
(i) dating based on the life of the author (the info about Arius establishing his life) - this is a new one
(ii) this looks like your (1)
(iii) references in the text to contemporary people and circumstances - this is a new one
There are more things I could write about later.