Romuléon (Miélot)

The Romuléon is a prose compilation of Roman history, drawing primarily from Latin sources but rendered into French. Jean Miélot, a cleric and secretary to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, is credited with translating and adapting the work in the 15th century. It enjoyed considerable popularity in its time, existing in numerous manuscript copies and printed editions.

Miélot's Romuléon is not a direct translation of any single Latin text. Instead, it is a composite work drawing upon a variety of sources, including Livy, Valerius Maximus, and perhaps other historical and anecdotal material about Roman figures and events. The work presents a narrative of Roman history from its legendary beginnings with Romulus to the reign of emperors.

A significant aspect of Miélot's Romuléon is its adaptation to a courtly audience. The translation and selection of material were likely tailored to the interests and expectations of the Burgundian court, which valued history both for its moral lessons and its entertainment value. Consequently, the Romuléon functions not just as a historical account, but also as a didactic and entertaining narrative intended for a specific social and political context.