From Republic to Empire: Rhetoric, Religion, and Power in the

From Republic to Empire: Rhetoric, Religion, and Power in the Visual Culture of Ancient Rome (Volume 48) (Oklahoma Series in Classical Culture)
- Used Book in Good Condition
Political image-makingâ€”especially from the Age of Augustus, when the Roman Republic evolved into a system capable of governing a vast, culturally diverse empireâ€”is the focus of this masterful study of Roman culture. Distinguished art historian and classical archaeologist John Pollini explores how various artistic and ideological symbols of religion and power, based on Roman Republican values and traditions, were taken over or refashioned to convey new ideological content in the constantly changing political world of imperial Rome.

Religion, civic life, and politics went hand in hand and formed the very fabric of ancient Roman society. Visual rhetoric was a most effective way to communicate and commemorate the ideals, virtues, and political programs of the leaders of the Roman State in an empire where few people could read and many different languages were spoken. Public memorialization could keep Roman leaders and their achievements before the eyes of the populace, in Rome and in cities under Roman sway. A leaderâ€™s success demonstrated that he had the favor of the godsâ€”a form of legitimation crucial for sustaining the Roman Principate, or government by a â€œFirst Citizen.â€

Pollini examines works and traditions ranging from coins to statues and reliefs. He considers the realistic tradition of sculptural portraiture and the ways Roman leaders from the late Republic through the Imperial period were represented in relation to the divine. In comparing visual and verbal expression, he likens sculptural imagery to the structure, syntax, and diction of the Latin language and to ancient rhetorical figures of speech.

Throughout the book, Polliniâ€™s vast knowledge of ancient history, religion, literature, and politics extends his analysis far beyond visual culture to every aspect of ancient Roman civilization, including the empireâ€™s ultimate conversion to Christianity. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of the relationship between artistic developments and political change in ancient Rome.
Country USA
Brand University of Oklahoma Press
Manufacturer University of Oklahoma Press
Binding Hardcover
ItemPartNumber 31 color & 387 B&W illus.
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780806142586
ReleaseDate 0000-00-00

Country	USA
Brand	University of Oklahoma Press
Manufacturer	University of Oklahoma Press
Binding	Hardcover
ItemPartNumber	31 color & 387 B&W illus.
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780806142586
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00

From Republic to Empire: Rhetoric, Religion, and Power in the Visual Culture of Ancient Rome (Volume 48) (Oklahoma Series in Classical Culture)

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