Becoming Roman?: Diverging Identities and Experiences in Ancient Northwest Italy

The Roman Empire had a significant impact on the conquered peoples, creating social, economic, and cultural changes that erased long-standing differences in material culture, languages, cults, rituals, and identities. However, Rome could not create a single unified culture, leading to local cultures within the global world of the empire that were neither Roman nor native. This volume will appeal to researchers interested in the Roman Empire and individual and cultural identity in the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Left Coast Press Inc

Few empires had such a profound impact on the conquered peoples as did the Roman empire, ushering in sweeping social, economic, and cultural transformations that obliterated long-standing disparities in material culture, languages, customs, rituals, and identities. Yet, even Rome's vast dominion could not forge a cohesive and uniform cultural identity. Individual choices and decisions introduced localized changes in material culture, identity, and behavior, resulting in the emergence of distinct regional cultures within the global tapestry of the Roman empire that defied classification as either Roman or indigenous.

Northwest Italy serves as an exemplary case study, transitioning from a marginal region to one of the most flourishing and densely urbanized areas in Italy. During this transformation, Northwest Italy developed a unique regional culture that blended elements of Roman influence with local traditions and customs. This volume will captivate scholars interested in the Roman empire, as well as those passionate about exploring individual and cultural identity in the past.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611321876