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Popular and Imperial Response to Earthquakes in the Roman Empire

Higgins, Christopher M.

Abstract Details

2009, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, History (Arts and Sciences).
This thesis examines popular and imperial response to earthquakes in the Roman Empire period from the reign of Augustus through the reign of Justinian. It examines religious and scientific attitudes towards earthquakes throughout the classical period and whether these attitudes affected the disaster relief offered by Roman emperors. By surveying popular and imperial reactions throughout the time period this thesis shows that Roman subjects reacted in nearly identical manners regardless of the official religion of the Empire. The emperors followed a precedent set by Augustus who was providing typical voluntary euergetism. Their responses showcased imperial philanthropy whilesymbolizing the power and presence of the Roman state even in far off provinces. The paper also examines archaeological evidence from Sardis and Pompeii each of whose unique archaeological circumstances allows for an illustration of methods of reconstruction following earthquakes of massive and moderate size.
Jaclyn Maxwell, PhD (Advisor)
Kevin Uhalde, PhD (Committee Member)
Walter Roberts, PhD (Committee Member)
120 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Higgins, C. M. (2009). Popular and Imperial Response to Earthquakes in the Roman Empire [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1244049765

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Higgins, Christopher. Popular and Imperial Response to Earthquakes in the Roman Empire. 2009. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1244049765.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Higgins, Christopher. "Popular and Imperial Response to Earthquakes in the Roman Empire." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1244049765

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)