Valorizing the Barbarians

Enemy Speeches in Roman Historiography

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Rome
Cover of the book Valorizing the Barbarians by Eric Adler, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Eric Adler ISBN: 9780292744684
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: July 1, 2011
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Eric Adler
ISBN: 9780292744684
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: July 1, 2011
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English
With the growth of postcolonial theory in recent decades, scholarly views of Roman imperialism and colonialism have been evolving and shifting. Much recent discussion of the topic has centered on the ways in which ancient Roman historians consciously or unconsciously denigrated non-Romans. Similarly, contemporary scholars have downplayed Roman elite anxiety about their empire's expansion.In this groundbreaking new work, Eric Adler explores the degree to which ancient historians of Rome were capable of valorizing foreigners and presenting criticisms of their own society. By examining speeches put into the mouths of barbarian leaders by a variety of writers, he investigates how critical of the empire these historians could be.Adler examines pairs of speeches purportedly delivered by non-Roman leaders so that the contrast between them might elucidate each writer's sense of imperialism. Analyses of Sallust's and Trogus's treatments of the Eastern ruler Mithradates, Polybius's and Livy's speeches from Carthage's Hannibal, and Tacitus's and Cassius Dio's accounts of the oratory of the Celtic warrior queen Boudica form the core of this study. Adler supplements these with examinations of speeches from other characters, as well as contextual narrative from the historians. Throughout, Adler wrestles with broader issues of Roman imperialism and historiography, including administrative greed and corruption in the provinces, the treatment of gender and sexuality, and ethnic stereotyping.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
With the growth of postcolonial theory in recent decades, scholarly views of Roman imperialism and colonialism have been evolving and shifting. Much recent discussion of the topic has centered on the ways in which ancient Roman historians consciously or unconsciously denigrated non-Romans. Similarly, contemporary scholars have downplayed Roman elite anxiety about their empire's expansion.In this groundbreaking new work, Eric Adler explores the degree to which ancient historians of Rome were capable of valorizing foreigners and presenting criticisms of their own society. By examining speeches put into the mouths of barbarian leaders by a variety of writers, he investigates how critical of the empire these historians could be.Adler examines pairs of speeches purportedly delivered by non-Roman leaders so that the contrast between them might elucidate each writer's sense of imperialism. Analyses of Sallust's and Trogus's treatments of the Eastern ruler Mithradates, Polybius's and Livy's speeches from Carthage's Hannibal, and Tacitus's and Cassius Dio's accounts of the oratory of the Celtic warrior queen Boudica form the core of this study. Adler supplements these with examinations of speeches from other characters, as well as contextual narrative from the historians. Throughout, Adler wrestles with broader issues of Roman imperialism and historiography, including administrative greed and corruption in the provinces, the treatment of gender and sexuality, and ethnic stereotyping.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Captivity Beyond Prisons by Eric Adler
Cover of the book At the Crossroads of the Earth and the Sky by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Fear on Trial by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Monumentality in Etruscan and Early Roman Architecture by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Exiles and Citizens by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Aztecs, Moors, and Christians by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Deconstructing the American Mosque by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Sexuality and Being in the Poststructuralist Universe of Clarice Lispector by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Wetland and Riparian Areas of the Intermountain West by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Death and the Classic Maya Kings by Eric Adler
Cover of the book The Play of Mirrors by Eric Adler
Cover of the book The Inka Empire by Eric Adler
Cover of the book A Camera in the Garden of Eden by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Wildflowers and Other Plants of Texas Beaches and Islands by Eric Adler
Cover of the book Red Scare by Eric Adler
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy