Who was referred to as rhetor?

Seneca the Elder is referred to as a rhetor due to his significant contributions to the study and practice of rhetoric during the Roman period. He was famously known for his works on rhetoric, particularly his "Contradictories," which served as a vital reference for understanding rhetorical techniques and styles. He focused on the art of persuasion, a key component of rhetoric, which was essential for public speaking and literary expression in ancient Rome.

Seneca's emphasis on rhetorical education and his role as a teacher set him apart as a figure renowned for his rhetorical expertise. In contrast, figures like Ovid, Horace, and Pliny the Elder, while all notable in their respective fields—poetry, satire, and natural history—did not primarily focus on rhetoric to the same extent as Seneca. Thus, his designation as a rhetor highlights his specific influence and legacy in the area of rhetorical practice.