The Politics of Immorality in Ancient Rome (Paperback)

This book addresses the question not how immoral the ancient Romans were but why the literature they produced is so preoccupied with immorality. The modern image of immoral Rome derives from ancient accounts which are largely critical rather than celebratory. Far from being empty commonplaces these accusations constituted a powerful discourse through which Romans negotiated conflicts and tensions in their social and political order. This study proceeds by a detailed examination of a wide range of ancient texts (all of which are translated), exploring the dynamics of their rhetoric, as well as the ends to which they were deployed. Roman moralising discourse, the author suggests, may be seen as especially concerned with the articulation of anxieties about gender, social status and political power. Individual chapters focus on adultery, effeminacy, the immorality of the Roman theatre, luxurious buildings and the dangers of pleasure.

General

Imprint:	Cambridge UniversityPress
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	May 2002
First published:	1993
Authors:	Catharine Edwards
Dimensions:	229 x 151 x 18mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Trade
Pages:	244
ISBN-13:	978-0-521-89389-3
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Literature: history & criticism > Literary studies > Classical, early & medieval Books > Humanities > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE Books > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE Promotions
LSN:	0-521-89389-5
Barcode:	9780521893893

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