Roman Historical Myths - The Regal Period in Augustan Literature

Zusatztext F.'s subject is one that deserves careful study! and his attempt to apply modern theoretical discussions of historiography and ideology to ancient accounts of early Rome is welcome ... F. has made some good decisions ... and has some good and careful things to say about particular passages and texts. Klappentext This book offers an enlivening and sophisticated analysis of the pervasive use of historical myth in some of the most well known writers of the Late Republic and Augustan periods - from Cicero in the De Republica and the first book of Livy to Propertius IV and Ovid's Fasti. The chapters on prose narrative uncover an uneasy tension between the desire for accurate historical representation and the legendary character of traditional stories. In the light of modern theories of historical truth, Matthew Fox argues that narrative itself expresses a kind of belief in myths, and that this belief is in turn conditioned by historical circumstance. In this way, the accounts of Rome's regal period in both prose and verse bear witness to the uncertainties and upheavals at the end of the Republic. At the same time, Dr Fox argues for a more sophisticated relationship between political and textual reality, and concludes that interpretations of political subversion need to be balanced by the sense of destiny and desire for reinterpretation inherent in recounting the origins of Rome. Zusammenfassung This is a critical analysis of the pervasive theme of historical myths used by some of the best-known writers of the Late Republic and Augustan periods - from Cicero in the "De Republica" and the first book of Livy to Ovid's "Fasti".

Product details

• Authors: Matthew Fox
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 18.01.1996
• EAN: 9780198150206
• ISBN: 978-0-19-815020-6
• No. of pages: 278
• Series: Oxford Classical Monographs; Oxford Classical Monographs
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; Latin, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Folklore & Mythology, LITERARY CRITICISM / Ancient & Classical, Folklore, myths & legends, Literary studies: classical, early & medieval, Ancient Rome, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, Folklore studies / Study of myth (mythology)