The Heart of Rome: Ancient Rome's Political Culture

(Paperback)

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The essays in this book examine the political activities and institutions of pre-Imperial Rome in conjunction with the habits of the hearts and the minds of the Romans. Relying on the writings of ancient authors, the essays analyze significant political developments and events. They attempt to draw out the meaning of what the authors say and impose no theory on the ancient writings. Nor do they pursue the methodological techniques of contemporary historiography. While avoiding such common present-day anachronisms, they take their guidance directly from the ancient historians themselves and examine their understanding of Romes political history and culture. Harking back to the ancient view that a political culture or regime is both a citys form of government and its way of life, the essays, trying to be true to the full character of Roman political life, seek to understand the political activities and the souls of the Romans, and to understand each in the light of the other.

Reviews

Professor Blits offers erudite and provocative readings of the ancient sources to illuminate the political culture of Rome as well as the aspirations of its citizens. His depiction of Rome is one that will be sure to fascinate all those who wish to fathom the full range of possibilities for political life. -- Vickie B. Sullivan, Tufts University

Author Bio

Jan H. Blits is professor in the University Honors Program at the University of Delaware.