Popular Culture in Ancient Rome

Beschreibung

The mass of the Roman people constituted well over 90% of the population. Much ancient history, however, has focused on the lives, politics and culture of the minority elite. This book helps redress the balance by focusing on the non-elite in the Roman world. It builds a vivid account of the everyday lives of the masses, including their social and family life, health, leisure and religious beliefs, and the ways in which their popular culture resisted the domination of the ruling elite. The book highlights previously under-considered aspects of popular culture of the period to give a fuller picture. It is the first book to take fully into account the level of mental health: given the physical and social environment that most people faced, their overall mental health mirrored their poor physical health. It also reveals fascinating details about the ways in which people solved problems, turning frequently to oracles for advice and guidance when confronted by difficulties. Our understanding of the non-elite world is further enriched through the depiction of sensory dimensions: Toner illustrates how attitudes to smell, touch, and noise all varied with social status and created conflict, and how the emperors tried to resolve these disputes as part of their regeneration of urban life. Popular Culture in Ancient Rome offers a rich and accessible introduction to the usefulness of the notion of popular culture in studying the ancient world and will be enjoyed by students and general readers alike.

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J. P. Toner

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Ancient & Classical History Geschichte Geschichte des Altertums u. der klassischen Antike History

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"No-one could accuse Jerry Toner of a lack of empathy with thosewho take centre stage in his gripping new study ... He makesexcellent use of Roman jokes, such as those collected in thePhilogelos, which steps lightly through the misfortunes oflife, from filthy streets to child mortality." London Review of Books "A spirited, engaging and politically committed introduction tothe culture of the 'non-elite' in the Roman Empire. Toner'sachievement is to open up the world of the Roman tavern, ratherthan the senate house; the world of the garret rather than thevilla." Mary Beard, Times Literary Supplement "Plenty of vivid detail, with more laughter, tears and fartingthan most books on 'everyday life' in Rome. It is a rollicking readand wears its considerable scholarship lightly." European Review of History "This is a marvellous book on a neglected subject. On the basisof a rich mosaic of documents supplemented by comparative evidence,Toner has produced a sharply analytical reading of popular culturein Rome, which is both very instructive and highlyentertaining." Peter Garnsey, University of Cambridge "Toner presents an intellectually courageous account ofRoman popular culture that will engage the imaginative sympathiesof scholar and general reader alike. This is a brisk,accessible study, rich in data and conceptuallywell-informed." Thomas Habinek, University of Southern California
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