Frankness, Greek Culture, and the Roman Empire

Parrhesia (free and frank speech) was a key democratic and egalitarian value in Greek culture, but it retained political and ethical significance in the Roman empire. This volume explores the dynamics of political power in the empire, where politics was located in interpersonal relationships as much as institutions. It challenges the traditional view that the meaning of parrhēsia changed radically after Alexander the Great and reveals the political implications of a post-classical intellectual development that reconceptualizes true freedom as belonging to the man who behaves and speaks freely.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Frankness, Greek Culture, and the Roman Empire delves into the profound significance of parrhēsia (free and frank speech) within the vibrant tapestry of Greek culture during the Roman Empire. The term, originating in the classical Athenian democracy, held a cherished place as a fundamental democratic and egalitarian value. However, it is remarkable to observe that references to frank speech permeated the literature of the Roman empire, a time characterized by the rule of a single autocrat over a vast expanse of the known world, Greek cities governed by entrenched oligarchies, and a growing stratification of society. This volume sets out to challenge the prevailing notion that the meaning of parrhēsia underwent a radical transformation following the reign of Alexander the Great. Instead, it reveals that parrhēsia retained its political and ethical significance well into the Roman empire. By meticulously examining references to frankness in a wide array of sources, including political writings, rhetoric, philosophy, historiography, biographical literature, and even satire, the volume explores the intricate dynamics of political power within the Roman empire. It uncovers the interplay of interpersonal relationships as central to politics, surpassing the confines of institutional frameworks. The contested nature of power relations within these interactions—between emperors and their advisors, between orators and the cities they counseled, and among fellow members of the oligarchic elite in provincial cities—reveals the profound political implications of a post-classical intellectual development that reimagines true freedom as residing in the individual who acts and speaks freely. Simultaneously, the valorization of the role of the frank speaker also exposes those who claim it to suspicions of self-promotion and hypocrisy. This volume holds immense appeal to students and scholars of rhetoric and political thought, offering a rich and insightful exploration of the complex interplay between language, power, and societal dynamics in the ancient world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367517991