From the Tetrarchs to the Theodosians
Later Roman History and Culture, 284–450 CE

Integrated collection of essays examining the politics, social networks, law, history and historiography, and literature of the later Roman world.

Scott McGill (Edited by), Cristiana Sogno (Edited by), Edward Watts (Edited by)

9780521898218, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 April 2010

332 pages, 1 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.9 x 2 cm, 0.67 kg

An integrated collection of essays examining the politics, social networks, law, historiography, and literature of the later Roman world. The volume treats three central themes: the first section looks at political and social developments across the period and argues that, in spite of the stress placed upon traditional social structures, many elements of Roman life remained only slightly changed. The second section focuses upon biographical texts and shows how late-antique authors adapted traditional modes of discourse to new conditions. The final section explores the first years of the reign of Theodosius I and shows how he built upon historical foundations while unfurling new methods for utilising, presenting, and commemorating imperial power. These papers analyse specific events and local developments to highlight examples of both change and continuity in the Roman world from 284–450.

Introduction: Part I. Politics, Law, and Society: 1. The unity of the Roman Empire David Potter
2. Roman patronage Peter Garnsey
3. Roman matchmaking Cristiana Sogno
4. Constantine the Lawgiver Jill Harries
5. Constantine answers the veterans Serena Connolly
Part II. Biography and Panegyrics: 6. Three generations of Christian philosophical biography Edward Watts
7. The education of Paulinus of Pella: learning in the late Empire Josiah Osgood
8. Another man's miracles: recasting Aelius Donatus in Phocas' Life of Virgil Scott McGill
9. Gregory of Nazianzus' 'Life' of Julian revisited (Or. 4 and 5): divine decree and imperial enactment Susanna Elm
Part III. Constantinople in the 380s or Theodosius I and the Year 380/'Faces of Theodosius I'/The 'New Theodosian Age': 10. Liar in winter: Themistius and Theodosius Peter Heather
11. Moments of truth: Gregory Nazianzen and Theodosius I Neil McLynn
12. Reinventing Constantinople: Theodosius I's imprint on the Imperial City Brian Croke
13. Reinventing history: Jerome's chronicle and the writing of the post-Roman West Mark Vessey.

Subject Areas: Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]