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An intriguing architectural element reflects the Roman social order

Pisciculture -- the process of raising fish -- held a lasting fascination for the people of ancient Rome. Whether bred for household consumption, cultivated for sale at market, or simply kept in confinement for reasons of aesthetic ...

An intriguing architectural element reflects the Roman social order

Pisciculture -- the process of raising fish -- held a lasting fascination for the people of ancient Rome. Whether bred for household consumption, cultivated for sale at market, or simply kept in confinement for reasons of aesthetic appreciation, fish remained an important commodity and prominent cultural symbol throughout the periods of the Roman Republic and early Empire. Roman pisciculture reached its greatest level of sophistication, though, between the first century B.C. and the first century A.D. with the development of a highly specialized architectural element: the piscina, or artificial fishpond.

Based on a thorough examination of the archaeological record and complemented by site plans, maps, and photographs, James Higginbotham's work represents the most comprehensive study of the fishponds of Roman Italy. Higginbotham covers the technical aspects of Roman fishponds their design, construction, and operation -- and places the piscinae within their social, political, and economic context. He argues that in a society fascinated by pisciculture, ownership of a fishpond was a powerful display of wealth and social status and, ultimately, a manifestation of the intense competition between aristocratic Roman families that would eventually lead to civil war.

Cities in the ancient world relied on private generosity to provide many basic amenities, as well as expecting leading citizens to pay for 'bread and circuses' - free food and public entertainment. This collection of essays by leading scholars from the UK and USA explores the important phenomenon of ...

Cities in the ancient world relied on private generosity to provide many basic amenities, as well as expecting leading citizens to pay for 'bread and circuses' - free food and public entertainment. This collection of essays by leading scholars from the UK and USA explores the important phenomenon of benefaction and public patronage in Roman Italy.Ranging from the late republican period to the later Roman Empire, the contributions cover a wide range of topics, including the impact of benefactions and benefactors on the urban development of Roman Italy, on cultural and economic activity, and on the changing role of games and festivals in Roman society. They also explore the relationship between communities and their benefactors, whether these were local notables, senators, or the emperor himself, and examine how the nature of benefaction changed under the Empire.

This book describes how the Romans succeeded in changing the culture of the ruling classes of the Italian Allies during the imperial age. Evidence for this is primarily found in the archaeological record, but Torelli includes in his analysis the literary tradition and epigraphical evidence. Adopting ...

This book describes how the Romans succeeded in changing the culture of the ruling classes of the Italian Allies during the imperial age. Evidence for this is primarily found in the archaeological record, but Torelli includes in his analysis the literary tradition and epigraphical evidence. Adopting an anthropological perspective, special emphasis is placed on the religious values and cult traditions of the Romans and their unifying role.

Forgotten Africa introduces the general reader and beginning student to Africa's past, emphasizing those aspects only known or best known from archaeological and related evidence. It covers four million years of history across the continent, examining important aspects of Africa's momentous human ...

Forgotten Africa introduces the general reader and beginning student to Africa's past, emphasizing those aspects only known or best known from archaeological and related evidence. It covers four million years of history across the continent, examining important aspects of Africa's momentous human story. Graham Connah is concerned to raise public awareness, both inside and outside Africa, to this frequently overlooked and often forgotten subject. Forgotten Africa examines:* human origins,* the material culture of hunter gatherers* the beginnings of African farming, the development of metallurgy* the emergence of distinctive artistic traditions* the growth of cities and states* the expansion of trading networks* the impact of European and other external contacts.The result is a fascinating and important story told in a straightforward and readable manner.