Q. Aurelius Symmachus

A Political Biography

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Rome
Cover of the book Q. Aurelius Symmachus by Cristiana Sogno, University of Michigan Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Cristiana Sogno ISBN: 9780472025626
Publisher: University of Michigan Press Publication: June 4, 2010
Imprint: University of Michigan Press Language: English
Author: Cristiana Sogno
ISBN: 9780472025626
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Publication: June 4, 2010
Imprint: University of Michigan Press
Language: English

Symmachus was a brilliant orator, writer, and statesman, often flatly labeled as one of the last pagan senators. Cristiana Sogno offers a reconstruction of the political career of Symmachus through close analysis of his extensive writings, while also proposing a critical reevaluation of his historical importance. In contrast to traditional interpretation, Sogno's study demonstrates that Symmachus was primarily an influential politician, rather than a mere pagan zealot.

By portraying the individual experience of Symmachus, the book sets forth a new approach for interpreting the political aspirations, mentality, and attitudes of Roman senators. The much-studied question of the Christianization of the Western aristocracy has created the illusion of a Christian and a pagan aristocracy rigidly separated from each other. Through her study of Symmachus, Sogno demonstrates the primary importance of politics over religion in the public activity of the late Roman aristocracy. Although the book is specifically addressed to scholars and students of Late Antiquity, it will also be of interest to classicists, ancient historians, and non-specialists who wish to know more about this pivotal period in Roman history.

Cristiana Sogno received her Ph.D. in Classics and History from Yale University. Currently she is Townsend Assistant Professor of Classics at Cornell University. Visit Professor Sogno's website at: http://www.fordham.edu.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Symmachus was a brilliant orator, writer, and statesman, often flatly labeled as one of the last pagan senators. Cristiana Sogno offers a reconstruction of the political career of Symmachus through close analysis of his extensive writings, while also proposing a critical reevaluation of his historical importance. In contrast to traditional interpretation, Sogno's study demonstrates that Symmachus was primarily an influential politician, rather than a mere pagan zealot.

By portraying the individual experience of Symmachus, the book sets forth a new approach for interpreting the political aspirations, mentality, and attitudes of Roman senators. The much-studied question of the Christianization of the Western aristocracy has created the illusion of a Christian and a pagan aristocracy rigidly separated from each other. Through her study of Symmachus, Sogno demonstrates the primary importance of politics over religion in the public activity of the late Roman aristocracy. Although the book is specifically addressed to scholars and students of Late Antiquity, it will also be of interest to classicists, ancient historians, and non-specialists who wish to know more about this pivotal period in Roman history.

Cristiana Sogno received her Ph.D. in Classics and History from Yale University. Currently she is Townsend Assistant Professor of Classics at Cornell University. Visit Professor Sogno's website at: http://www.fordham.edu.

More books from University of Michigan Press

Cover of the book Political Complexity by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book The Glass City by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Character Is Destiny by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book The Holocaust, Corporations, and the Law by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Law, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Terrorism by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book A Family of Gods by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Governance and Foreign Investment in China, India, and Taiwan by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Sacred Violence by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Games, Information, and Politics by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Look at Me! by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Great Lengths by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Defending Diversity by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book The Pedagogical Contract by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book Object Lessons and the Formation of Knowledge by Cristiana Sogno
Cover of the book The Powers that Punish by Cristiana Sogno
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