Oration "Audivi" given by Enea Silvio Piccolomini on 18 October 1436, Basel

Abstract

This publication contains the Latin text and English translation of Enea Silvio Piccolomini’s oration Audivi to the Council of Basel on May 15, 1436, concerning the choice of venue for the reunion Council between the Latin Church and the Greek Church. The speaker argued for the city of Pavia in the territory of the Duke of Milan. The oration reflected the tensions between conciliarism and the papacy, between the European countries, and between the Italian powers including the Papal State. Piccolomini used the occasion to demonstrate his rhetorical skills and humanist learning to the Council fathers. In addition to the main subject, the oration touches upon issues that are also of interest in other contexts, e.g. the humanist debate on the origins of the Turks.