Publication date: 19 March 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.9781800083981
Number of illustrations: 107
Materialising the Roman Empire
Jeremy Tanner (Editor), Andrew Gardner (Editor)
Materialising the Roman Empire defines an innovative research agenda for Roman archaeology, highlighting the diverse ways in which the Empire was made materially tangible in the lives of its inhabitants. The volume explores how material culture was integral to the processes of imperialism, both as the Empire grew, and as it fragmented, and in doing so provides up-to-date overviews of major topics in Roman archaeology.
Each chapter offers a critical overview of a major field within the archaeology of the Roman Empire. The book’s authors explore the distinctive contribution that archaeology and the study of material culture can make to our understanding of the key institutions and fields of activity in the Roman Empire. The initial chapters address major technologies which, at first glance, appear to be mechanisms of integration across the Roman Empire: roads, writing and coinage. The focus then shifts to analysis of key social structures oriented around material forms and activities found all over the Roman world, such as trade, urbanism, slavery, craft production and frontiers. Finally, the book extends to more abstract dimensions of the Roman world: art, empire, religion and ideology, in which the significant themes remain the dynamics of power and influence. The whole builds towards a broad exploration of the nature of imperial power and the inter-connections that stimulated new community identities and created new social divisions.
Related titles
Materialising the Roman Empire
Publication date: March 19, 2024
Open Access PDF ISBN: 9781800083981
Paperback ISBN: 9781800083998
Hardback ISBN: 9781800084001
Trim size (hardback): 23.4cm x 15.6cm
Trim size (paperback): 23.4cm x 15.6cm
Materialising the Roman Empire defines an innovative research agenda for Roman archaeology, highlighting the diverse ways in which the Empire was made materially tangible in the lives of its inhabitants. The volume explores how material culture was integral to the processes of imperialism, both as the Empire grew, and as it fragmented, and in doing so provides up-to-date overviews of major topics in Roman archaeology.
Each chapter offers a critical overview of a major field within the archaeology of the Roman Empire. The book’s authors explore the distinctive contribution that archaeology and the study of material culture can make to our understanding of the key institutions and fields of activity in the Roman Empire. The initial chapters address major technologies which, at first glance, appear to be mechanisms of integration across the Roman Empire: roads, writing and coinage. The focus then shifts to analysis of key social structures oriented around material forms and activities found all over the Roman world, such as trade, urbanism, slavery, craft production and frontiers. Finally, the book extends to more abstract dimensions of the Roman world: art, empire, religion and ideology, in which the significant themes remain the dynamics of power and influence. The whole builds towards a broad exploration of the nature of imperial power and the inter-connections that stimulated new community identities and created new social divisions.
‘A pithy critical introduction to Roman archaeology.’
The Classical Review
‘Due to their scope and aim, the papers can provide useful reading for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses. They could be paired with other case studies for fruitful class discussion, such as Pearce’s paper on writing with a paper on writing in Roman Egypt or Laurence’s paper on roads with new work on road repairs… Well edited and published with ample color illustrations… this volume opens the door for further conversation and hopefully more comparative work in the future.’
Bryn Mawr Classical Review
‘[The] chapters serve as a useful, contemporary introduction to their subjects, whilst some present new ideas in compelling ways, and seem destined to become academic touchstones. For readers at multiple levels, this book is… worth your time.’
Theoretical Roman Archaeology Journal
‘Considering its overall points, thematic composition and eminent authors, the volume is highly recommended to all who would like to update their general knowledge about the (western) Roman world and keep informed about the current paradigms.’
Journal of Roman Studies
‘with an innovative take on Roman archaeology and the focus on material culture, each chapter brings debates forward that emphasize dynamic expansion and inquiry into commercial and research subjects all across the former Roman empire in different regions and with various degrees of political, religious, social, economic, cultural, and artistic action.’
Italica
