Rome's Religious History: Livy, Tacitus and Ammianus on their Gods

by Jason P. Davies

Overview

Livy, Tacitus and Ammianus Marcellinus wrote about the role played by gods in Rome's past. These men wrote around the time of Christ, at the beginning of the second and the end of the fourth century, respectively. Though their lives and periods did not overlap, a great deal of consistency can be seen in the way they presented, or "fine-tuned," religion for their times.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521047913
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/03/2007
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.83(d)

About the Author

Jason P. Davies is Research Fellow at the Department of Education and Professional Development, University College London.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; Note on the texts; 1. Introduction; 2. Livy and the invention of Roman religion; 3. Gods and men in Livy; 4. Tacitus and the restoration of Rome; 5. Ammianus and a final settlement; 6. Conclusions; Bibliography; Index locorum; Subject index.

Editorial Reviews

'The book is well-produced … A full index locorum and a useful subject index serve the reader well.' Jan den Boeft, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam

'This is a comprehensive and interesting piece of informed research … So very thorough and thoroughly referenced, confidently explored and argued …' The London Association of Classical Teachers Newsletter

'Davies' sensitivity to the interpretive strategies of the ancient authors allows for sympathetic reconstructions of the cultural contexts which inform the historical works. … In sum, this is an erudite, powerful, and invaluable interpretation of Roman religion and historiography.' Journal of Roman Studies

From the Publisher