The Future of Rome: Roman, Greek, Jewish and Christian Visions

The future of Rome was imagined differently by different populations living under the Roman Empire, revealing profound differences in their conceptions of history and historical time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 325 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The future of Rome, both near and distant in time, was a subject of profound fascination for different populations living under the Roman Empire. This captivating collection of essays, assembled by a distinguished international team of scholars, sheds light on the diverse and contrasting visions that these populations held about Rome's future. It emerges that Romans, Greeks, Jews, and Christians had remarkably different answers to this question, revealing profound differences in their conceptions of history and historical time, the purpose of history, the meaning of written words, and oral traditions.

Furthermore, the essays argue that practically no one living under Rome's rule, including the Romans themselves, did not engage in some form of contemplation about the future. The authors explore various aspects of this topic, including the influence of imperial ideology on perceptions of the past and future, the role of prophecy and divination in shaping expectations, and the cultural and social factors that shaped individual and collective visions of the future.

Through their insightful analysis, the scholars in this collection provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Roman Empire's future. They challenge traditional narratives and shed light on the diverse perspectives and experiences of the people who lived within its borders. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of ancient history and offers valuable insights into the complex and dynamic relationship between the past and the present.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108797009
Edition number: New ed