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Abstract
This study investigates the significance of ghosts in three Roman Imperial epics Lucans Bellum Civile, Statius Thebaid, and Silius Italicus Punica. By examining apparitions specific to one time period and genre, this project shows how these certain apparitions follow a specific diction pattern and fulfill the role of prophet and, subsequently, how they acquire their literary authority for prophecy. As a result, I will argue that apparitions in Imperial epic are vehicles for socio-political commentary.