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Theatre of Power

Karl-Joachim Hölkeskamp

The Performance of Politics in the Roman Republic

The history of the Roman Republic lasted 500 years, and was punctuated by big names like Brutus, Cato, Sulla, Caesar and Octavian. But what was the glue that held this world together at its heart? It was the sophisticated ceremonies and strictly regulated rituals of power which were performed in Rome as if on a stage. In these grandiose spectacles Roman citizens recognised themselves and their world, and each of them knew their place

Karl-Joachim Hölkeskamp is an internationally renowned ancient historian. In this book he paints a picture of the continual performance at the heart of the Roman Empire. We see and understand the countless buildings and monuments – which all evoke the greatness, the heroes and the order of the Roman world – as a living, meaningful and effective backdrop against which gods, priests, politicians and ordinary people met, communicated and acted. We understand the significance of the well-choreographed triumphs and funerals, the public gatherings and ritual acts, as a justification of and testament to the everlasting power and dominance of Rome. This book is a key work for anyone hoping to gain a better understanding of the Roman Republic.

• A key text for understanding the Roman Republic

• An extremely clear account with concrete examples

• Circus - triumph - funeral

• Knowledge of the past spurs us on to new greatness

Available products
Hardback

48.00 EUR

Published 2023-09-21T09:47:08.968Z by C.H.Beck , ISBN: 9783406806933

ISBN: 9783406806933