Rhetoric of Roman Transportation: Vehicles in Latin Literature

This book provides the first systematic analysis of the representation of Roman vehicles in Latin literary texts, demonstrating how they work as a system of representation to structure both the texts and cultural discourses surrounding power, gender, and empire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Latin literature is filled with depictions of Romans in motion, yet scholars have hesitated to recognize the significant role that vehicles play in conveying textual and cultural meaning. This groundbreaking book presents the first comprehensive examination of the representation of Roman vehicles in Latin literary texts. By departing from approaches that view these vehicular portrayals as mere glimpses of reality or lofty poetic symbols, it reveals how these conveyances function as a systematic representation system that shapes both the texts in which they appear and the broader cultural discourses surrounding power, gender, and empire. Presented in a series of interconnected studies, each chapter delves into the portrayal of a specific conveyance across different authors and texts, ranging from the most ordinary and mundane (plaustrum) to the most elevated and symbol-laden (currus).

The study of Roman vehicles in Latin literature offers a rich tapestry of insights into the complex interplay between culture, society, and power. By exploring the various ways in which vehicles are portrayed, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the social and political dynamics of the Roman world. For example, the use of chariots in military campaigns can reveal the importance of military power and the strategies employed by different factions to gain and maintain control. Similarly, the portrayal of wagons and carts in trade and commerce can shed light on the economic and commercial networks that facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas across the Roman Empire.

Furthermore, the study of Roman vehicles can also provide valuable insights into the cultural values and beliefs of the Roman people. For instance, the use of horses in chariots can suggest the importance of speed and agility in Roman society, while the depiction of wagons carrying goods can highlight the importance of trade and commerce in the Roman economy. Similarly, the use of certain colors or symbols in the portrayal of vehicles can reveal the cultural significance of particular objects or animals.

In conclusion, the representation of Roman vehicles in Latin literature is a rich and complex field that offers a wealth of insights into the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the Roman world. By exploring the various ways in which vehicles are portrayed, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between culture, society, and power.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108481762