Destinations in Mind: Portraying Places on the Roman Empire's Souvenirs

Objects such as engraved silver cups, glass cups, bronze bowls, and glass bottles depict different sites in the Roman Empire, providing new information and a shared visual culture. Kimberly Cassibry argues that the best way to comprehend the empire is to look closely at these objects.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 07 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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In her book "Destinations in Mind," Kimberly Cassibry explores the role of objects depicting various sites in helping Romans understand their vast empire. During a time when many cities were written about but only a few were represented in art, four distinct sets of artifacts circulated new information. Engraved silver cups, for instance, listed all the stops from Spanish Cádiz to Rome, resembling the milestones that aided travelers in tracking their progress. Vivid glass cups depicted famous charioteers and gladiators competing in circuses and amphitheaters, offering virtual experiences of spectacles that were new to many regions. Bronze bowls commemorated forts along Hadrian's Wall with colorful enameling typical of Celtic craftsmanship. Glass bottles displayed labeled cityscapes of Baiae, a notorious resort, and Puteoli, a busy port, both in the Bay of Naples.

These artifacts and their journeys reveal an empire divided not into a center and periphery, but connected by roads that did not all lead to Rome. They bear witness to a shared visual culture that was divided not into high and low art, but united by extraordinary craftsmanship. New aspects of globalization are apparent in the multi-lingual placenames that the vessels bear, in the transformed places that they visualize, and in the enriched understanding of the empire's landmarks that they impart. With in-depth case studies, Cassibry argues that the best way to comprehend the Roman Empire is to look closely at objects depicting its fascinating places.

The book "Destinations in Mind" offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of objects in shaping the Roman Empire's perception and understanding. Through detailed case studies and a close examination of artifacts, Cassibry demonstrates how these objects played a vital role in conveying information, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting a deeper understanding of the empire's landmarks. By examining the journeys of these artifacts, readers gain a unique perspective on the complex network of roads and trade routes that connected the empire's various regions, as well as the shared visual culture that permeated throughout.

One of the key insights of the book is that the Roman Empire was not a centralized monolith, but rather a complex network of diverse cultures and regions. The artifacts that circulated within this empire reflect this diversity, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic traditions of different cultures. For example, the silver cups engraved with the stops from Spanish Cádiz to Rome demonstrate the extent of the empire's trade networks and the interconnectedness of its various regions. Similarly, the glass cups depicting charioteers and gladiators in circuses and amphitheaters offer a glimpse into the entertainment and sports that were popular throughout the empire.

Another important aspect of the book is its examination of the role of craftsmanship in shaping the Roman Empire's visual culture. Cassibry argues that the empire's objects were not just functional, but also expressive of the values and beliefs of the people who created them. The colorful enameling on bronze bowls, for instance, reflects the craftsmanship of the Celtic people who inhabited the region along Hadrian's Wall. Similarly, the labeled cityscapes on glass bottles showcase the artistic skill and attention to detail of the people who produced them.

The book also highlights the impact of globalization on the Roman Empire. The use of multi-lingual placenames on the artifacts, for instance, suggests the extent of the empire's trade networks and the interconnectedness of its various regions. The transformed places that the artifacts visualize, such as the cityscapes of Baiae and Puteoli, also reflect the impact of urbanization and the development of new cities throughout the empire.

In conclusion, "Destinations in Mind" is a valuable contribution to the study of the Roman Empire. Through its detailed analysis of artifacts and their journeys, the book offers a fresh perspective on the empire's perception and understanding. By examining the role of craftsmanship, globalization, and the complex network of roads and trade routes, Cassibry demonstrates how objects played a vital role in shaping the Roman Empire's visual culture and promoting a deeper understanding of its diverse regions and cultures. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and archaeology of the Roman Empire.

\n Weight: 638g\n
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190921897\n \n