Q. Aurelius Symmachus : a political biography / Cristiana Sogno.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sogno, Cristiana, 1969-

Contributor:

Michigan Publishing (University of Michigan), publisher.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius, approximately 340-402.

Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius.

Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius, approximately 340-402. Correspondence.

Speeches, addresses, etc., Latin--History and criticism.

Speeches, addresses, etc., Latin.

Letter writing, Latin--History--To 1500.

Letter writing, Latin.

Latin letters--History and criticism.

Latin letters.

Legislators--Rome--Biography.

Legislators.

Orators--Rome--Biography.

Orators.

Rome--History--Valentinian I, 364-375--Biography.

Rome.

Rome--History--Theodosians, 379-455--Biography.

Rome--Politics and government--284-476.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (155 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press, c2006.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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

Contents:

Laying the foundations of a political career : the Orationes

Rise and fall of an urban prefect : the Relationes

Maintaining friendships, building alliances, and protecting the family : the Epistulae.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. 91-136) and index.

Description based on information from the publisher.

ISBN:

1-282-64457-2

9786612644573

0-472-02562-7

OCLC:

649914278