The Power Of Images In The Age Of Augustus By Paul Zanker

In The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus, Paul Zanker argues that images were a central tool in the construction of cultural identity and political power during the reign of Augustus. Through his analysis of the use of myth and legend in Augustus's cultural propaganda, Zanker demonstrates how Augustus employed images to create a sense of cultural continuity with the past while simultaneously promoting a new vision of Rome based on his own accomplishments as a ruler. Zanker's analysis sheds light on the profound impact of Augustus's propaganda campaign on Roman art and architecture and highlights the critical role of the image of the emperor in Augustan political culture.

Zanker's main argument is that images played a central role in the

He uses a combination of literary sources, inscriptions, and archaeological remains to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of images in Roman culture. One of the primary sources of evidence that Zanker uses is literary sources, particularly the works of Roman writers such as Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. These writers provide important insights into the cultural and political context in which images were produced and consumed in Rome. Zanker uses their works to demonstrate the ways in which images were used to convey complex political and cultural messages, and to highlight the importance of images in shaping Roman cultural identity. In addition to literary sources, Zanker also draws upon inscriptions and other forms of epigraphic evidence. Inscriptions provide important information about the construction and use of buildings and monuments in Rome, as well as the political and social context in which they were created. Zanker uses inscriptions to demonstrate the ways in which images were used to reinforce political power and to promote a new vision of Rome. Archaeological remains are another important source of evidence that Zanker uses in his analysis. He examines the physical remains of buildings, statues, and other forms of public art to gain insights into the cultural and political context in which they were created. He pays close attention to the techniques and materials used to create these objects, as well as their style and iconography. Zanker's interdisciplinary approach allows him to draw upon a wide range of evidence to support his argument. By combining literary sources, inscriptions, and archaeological remains, he is able to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of images in shaping Roman