Rome: An Empire of Many Nations: New Perspectives on Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Identity

The study of Roman history has shifted to focus on the provinces and individual identities, exploring the variety of experiences in the Roman Empire's multinational empire. The chapters range across cultures, languages, religions, and literatures, with a special focus on the Jews.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The focus of Roman studies has undergone a significant shift, moving away from the upper echelons of government and administration in Rome or the Emperor's court to the provinces and the individual. This shift reflects a broader shift in Roman history towards the exploration of ethnic group identities and the experiences of individual people within Rome's vast multinational empire. The purpose of this volume is not to merely add another element to the narrative of the Roman Empire's "success" in governance but rather to shed light on the diverse range of individual experiences within its framework.

The chapters presented here, drawn from a diverse range of professional expertise, cover a wide spectrum of cultures, languages, religions, and literatures within the Roman Empire. A particular focus is placed on the Jews as a test case for examining the broader issues at hand.

This shift in focus allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Roman history, as it recognizes the importance of individual experiences and perspectives within the larger context of the empire. By examining the lives and experiences of people from different backgrounds and regions, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the Roman world.

In conclusion, the center of gravity in Roman studies has shifted towards a more inclusive and individualistic approach, which recognizes the significance of the provinces, the individual, and the diversity of experiences within the Roman Empire. The chapters presented in this volume contribute to this understanding by exploring a wide range of cultures, languages, religions, and literatures, with a special focus on the Jews as a test case for the larger issues at hand.

Weight: 888g
Dimension: 178 x 249 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108479455