Severan Culture [Paperback]

This book surveys the Severan period's many developments in literature, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology and culture.The first authoritative survey of the developments in literature, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology and culture within the Roman Empire under the rule of the Severan dynasty (AD 193225). General trends and specific instances are discussed, providing a vibrant picture of an extraordinary period of cultural innovation.The first authoritative survey of the developments in literature, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology and culture within the Roman Empire under the rule of the Severan dynasty (AD 193225). General trends and specific instances are discussed, providing a vibrant picture of an extraordinary period of cultural innovation.The Roman Empire during the reigns of Septimius Severus and his successors (AD 193225) enjoyed a remarkably rich and dynamic cultural life. It saw the consolidation of the movement known as the second sophistic, which had flourished during the second century and promoted the investigation and reassessment of classical Greek culture. It also witnessed the emergence of Christianity on its own terms, in Greek and in Latin, as a major force extending its influence across literature, philosophy, theology, art and even architecture. This volume offers the first wide-ranging and authoritative survey of the culture of this fascinating period when the background of Rome's rulers was for the first time non-Italian. Leading scholars discuss general trends and specific instances, together producing a vibrant picture of an extraordinary period of cultural innovation rooted in ancient tradition.Letter of Philostratus to Longinus Donald Russell; Preface and bibliography of Ewen Bowie Stephen Harrison and Simon Swain; Introduction Simon Swain; Part I. Literature and Culture: 1. Prose literature and the Severan dynasty Tim Whitmarsh; 2. Severan historiography: evidence, patterns and arguments Harry Sidebottom; 3. The worlds ol#,