Roman Disasters
“Roman Disasters” by Jerry Toner, published by Polity Press in April 2013, delves into the ways in which the Romans managed and conceptualized disasters throughout their history. This 224-page book examines significant calamities, including the battle of Cannae, the destruction of Pompeii, and the emergence of the bubonic plague, alongside other natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, and famines. Toner presents a comprehensive analysis of how these events influenced Roman society, highlighting the interplay of politics, social status, ideology, and economics in shaping their responses to adversity.
Readers will find that “Roman Disasters” offers a unique perspective by treating various disasters as a cohesive theme, emphasizing the resilience of Roman political and cultural systems in the face of life-threatening challenges. The book also discusses the impact of disaster narratives on Christian thought and rhetoric, providing insights into how these stories shaped societal beliefs. Engaging and accessible, this edition is suitable for both students and general readers interested in ancient history and the complexities of Roman life during times of crisis.
Official synopsis Publisher
Roman Disasters looks at how the Romans coped with, thought about, and used disasters for their own ends. Rome has been famous throughout history for its great triumphs. Yet Rome also suffered colossal disasters. From the battle of Cannae, where fifty thousand men fell in a single day, to the destruction of Pompeii, to the first appearance of the bubonic plague, the Romans experienced large scale calamities.Earthquakes, fires, floods and famines also regularly afflicted them.
This insightful book is the first to treat such disasters as a conceptual unity. It shows that vulnerability to disasters was affected by politics, social status, ideology and economics. Above all, it illustrates how the resilience of their political and cultural system allowed the Romans to survive the impact of these life-threatening events. The book also explores the important role disaster narratives played in Christian thought and rhetoric.
Engaging and accessible, Roman Disasters will be enjoyed by students and general readers alike.
FAQ
What is “Roman Disasters” about?
Who is the author of “Roman Disasters”?
When was “Roman Disasters” published?
What is the ISBN for “Roman Disasters”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
