Emperors and Rhetoricians: Panegyric, Communication, and Power in the Fourth-Century Roman Empire

The book "Emperors and Rhetoricians" by Moysés Marcos explores the art of panegyric in the Roman Empire, focusing on Julian's use of it as a political tool. Marcos reveals a new perspective of Julian the Apostate and offers insights into his career in imperial office.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Throughout late antiquity, panegyric, the art of publicly praising prominent political figures, held a significant place in the Roman Empire. Orators, skilled political actors, manipulated the conventions of praise-giving, taking great license with what they chose to present or omit. Their ancient speeches provide rare windows into the world of panegyrists, emperors, and their audiences. In Emperors and Rhetoricians, Moysés Marcos offers an original and comprehensive look at all panegyrics to and by Julian, who in 355/56 CE promoted himself as a learned Caesar by producing his panegyric on his cousin and Augustan benefactor, Constantius II. Throughout key stages of his public career and throughout the time he held imperial power, Julian experimented with and utilized panegyric as both political communication and political opportunity. Marcos expertly mines this vast body of work to uncover a startlingly new picture of Julian the Apostate, explore anew the arc of his career in imperial office, and model new ways to interpret and understand imperial speeches of praise.

Introduction:
Panegyric, the art of publicly praising prominent political figures, played a crucial role in the Roman Empire throughout late antiquity. Orators, skilled political actors, manipulated the conventions of praise-giving, taking great license with what they chose to present or omit. Their ancient speeches offer rare windows into the world of panegyrists, emperors, and their audiences. In Emperors and Rhetoricians, Moysés Marcos offers an original and comprehensive look at all panegyrics to and by Julian, who in 355/56 CE promoted himself as a learned Caesar by producing his panegyric on his cousin and Augustan benefactor, Constantius II. Throughout key stages of his public career and throughout the time he held imperial power, Julian experimented with and utilized panegyric as both political communication and political opportunity. Marcos expertly mines this vast body of work to uncover a startlingly new picture of Julian the Apostate, explore anew the arc of his career in imperial office, and model new ways to interpret and understand imperial speeches of praise.

Julian the Apostate:
Marcos' examination of Julian's panegyrics reveals a startlingly new perspective on the Apostate. He explores the ways in which Julian used panegyric to shape his public image, cultivate his political connections, and advance his agenda. Julian's panegyrics, particularly those addressed to emperors, showcase his rhetorical skills and his ability to manipulate the conventions of praise-giving. Marcos highlights the ways in which Julian used panegyric to present himself as a learned Caesar, a champion of the people, and a defender of traditional Roman values. He also examines the ways in which Julian's panegyrics were used to justify his political actions and to undermine his opponents.

Career in Imperial Office:
Marcos' analysis of Julian's career in imperial office provides a fresh perspective on the Apostate's political trajectory. He explores the ways in which Julian's panegyric was intertwined with his political ambitions and his attempts to secure imperial power. Julian's panegyrics were used to cultivate his relationships with emperors and to secure their support for his policies. Marcos highlights the ways in which Julian's panegyric was used to manipulate public opinion and to undermine his opponents. He also examines the ways in which Julian's panegyric was used to justify his actions and to promote his vision of a renewed Roman Empire.

Interpretation and Understanding:
Marcos' book offers new insights into the interpretation and understanding of imperial speeches of praise. He challenges traditional interpretations of these speeches as mere expressions of flattery or political opportunism. Instead, Marcos argues that these speeches should be seen as complex political communication that was used to shape public opinion, cultivate political connections, and advance political agendas. He highlights the ways in which these speeches were used to convey messages about the emperor's power, authority, and legitimacy. Marcos also examines the ways in which these speeches were used to manipulate public opinion and to undermine opponents.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Emperors and Rhetoricians is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the art of panegyric in the Roman Empire. Moysés Marcos' examination of Julian's panegyrics reveals a startlingly new picture of the Apostate, explores anew the arc of his career in imperial office, and models new ways to interpret and understand imperial speeches of praise. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history, political communication, and the power of rhetoric.

Weight: 634g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520394971