The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies

Definition

The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies is a comprehensive academic resource that explores various aspects of Roman civilization, including its history, culture, and influence. This collection of essays by leading scholars offers critical insights into the methodologies used to study Roman history, highlighting the diverse sources and approaches that shape our understanding of ancient Rome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies contains contributions from various scholars that reflect the latest research trends and debates in the field of Roman studies.
2. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from history, archaeology, literature, and art to provide a holistic view of Roman civilization.
3. The handbook addresses key themes such as politics, society, economy, religion, and culture in ancient Rome, making it a valuable resource for both students and researchers.
4. Each chapter includes bibliographical references that guide readers to further literature on specific topics related to Roman studies.
5. The Oxford Handbook serves not only as a reference work but also as an educational tool that encourages critical thinking about ancient sources and their interpretations.

Review Questions

• How does The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies illustrate the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding ancient Rome?
  • The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies showcases the significance of interdisciplinary approaches by integrating insights from various fields such as history, archaeology, literature, and art. This allows scholars to analyze ancient Rome from multiple perspectives and creates a richer understanding of its complexities. By presenting essays from different disciplines, the handbook highlights how these diverse methodologies can complement each other and lead to more nuanced interpretations of Roman civilization.
• In what ways does The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies enhance our understanding of historiography related to ancient Rome?
  • The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies enhances our understanding of historiography by providing critical essays that examine how historians have approached Roman history over time. It discusses varying methodologies, sources used by historians, and how interpretations have evolved based on new discoveries or changing scholarly debates. This examination reveals the dynamic nature of historical analysis and encourages readers to think critically about how historical narratives are constructed.
• Evaluate the impact of primary sources on the research presented in The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies and their role in shaping modern perceptions of Rome.
  • Primary sources play a crucial role in the research featured in The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies, as they provide the foundational evidence upon which interpretations are built. The reliability and variety of these sources—ranging from inscriptions to literary works—help shape modern perceptions of Rome by offering direct insights into its society, politics, and culture. Evaluating these sources critically allows scholars to challenge existing narratives and develop new understandings, ultimately influencing how we perceive the complexities of ancient Roman civilization.

Related terms

Primary Sources: Original materials from the time period being studied, such as inscriptions, coins, and literary texts, which provide direct evidence about ancient Rome.

Historiography: The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time, including different perspectives and methodologies used by historians to analyze Roman history.

Archaeology: The scientific study of material remains from past human life, including artifacts and structures, which plays a crucial role in reconstructing the history of Rome.