The ancient middle classes : urban life and aesthetics in the Roman Empire, 100 BCE-250 CE / Emanuel Mayer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mayer, Emanuel.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Middle class--Rome.

Middle class.

Middle class--Rome--Social life and customs.

Social classes--Rome.

Social classes.

Rome--Civilization.

Rome.

Rome (Empire).

Civilization.

Physical Description:

xiv, 295 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 2012.

Summary:

Mayer (classics, U. of Chicago), argues that though "class" is essentially a modern concept, between 100 B.C.E. and 250 C.E. as Roman agricultural centers transformed into cities, there came a degree of upward mobility available to some groups of people. The ancient "middle classes" included artisans, merchants, bakers and other commercial classes. Mayer examines architecture, art, portraitures, portrait statues, and tombs in towns like Naples, Rome, and Pompeii to create an image of the ancient middle class's culture, values, and aesthetics. This book would be of interest to anyone studying ancient culture, classes, and everyday life. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Contents:

Introduction : class, stratification and culture : the Roman middle classes and their place in history

In search of ancient middle classes : an archaeology of middle classes in urban life 100 BCE-250 CE

From commercial to middle classes : urban life and economy in the Roman Empire

In search of middle class culture : commemorating working and private lives

Decor and lifestyle : the aesthetics of standardization

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780674050334

0674050339

9780674065345

0674065344

OCLC:

758383409