Roman Imperialism And Civic Patronage

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This book examines the role of Roman imperial cities in the development of monumental civic fountains. These fountains were often placed in highly trafficked areas and were often adorned with grand sculptures. Over twenty-five of these urban complexes can be associated with emperors. Dr. Longfellow investigates the edifice as a product of an individual patron and a particular historical and geographical context. She also considers the role of civic patronage in fostering a dialogue between imperial and provincial elites with the local urban environment. Tracing the development of the genre across the empire, she illuminates the motives and ideologies of imperial and local benefactors in Rome and the provinces and explores the complex interplay of imperial power, patronage, and the local urban environment.

In this book, Brenda Longfellow examines one of the features of Roman Imperial cities, the monumental civic fountain. Built in cities throughout the Roman Empire during the first through third centuries AD, these fountains were imposing in size, frequently adorned with grand sculptures, and often placed in highly trafficked areas. Over twenty-five of these urban complexes can be associated with emperors. Dr Longfellow situates each of these examples within its urban environment and investigates the edifice as a product of an individual patron and a particular historical and geographical context. She also considers the role of civic patronage in fostering a dialogue between imperial and provincial elites with the local urban environment. Tracing the development of the genre across the empire, she illuminates the motives and ideologies of imperial and local benefactors in Rome and the provinces and explores the complex interplay of imperial power, patronage, and the local urban environment. Review: 'Through an exhaustive and accurate review of archaeological, literary and numismatic evidence, Longfellow has demonstrated the tremendous importance of emperors in the dialectic exchange between local communities, local patrons and their rulers.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review 'Lively, well-written accounts of individual monuments include examples that deserve to be better known, such as the fountain in the Terrace of Domitian, or Sagalassos' newly reconstructed nymphaeum of Tiberius Claudius Piso. The bibliography on fountain architecture and art is thorough and up-to-date.' American Journal of Archaeology