The Roman Imperial Mausoleum in Late Antiquity

Erscheinungsjahr 2018
ISBN: 978-1-107-64441-0
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 314 Seiten, Format (B × H): 178 mm x 254 mm, Gewicht: 626 g

This book is the first comprehensive study of the mausolea of the later Roman emperors. Constructed between c.AD 244 and 450 and bridging the transition from paganism to Christianity within the empire, these important buildings shared a common design, that of domed rotunda. Mark Johnson examines the symbolism and function of the mausolea, demonstrating for the first time that these monuments served as temples and shrines to the divinized emperors. Through an examination of literary sources and the archaeological record, he identifies which buildings were built as imperial tombs. Each building is examined to determine its place in the development of the type as well as for its unique features within the group. Recognizing the strong relationship between the mausolea built for pagan and Christian emperors, Johnson also analyzes their important differences.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Johnson, Mark J.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. The emperor in death; 2. From tumulus to domed rotunda in imperial mausolea; 3. The mature domed rotunda – mausolea of the Tetrarchs; 4. Mausolea of the Christian emperors; 5. Sepulcra Divorum – symbolism and cult practices.

Über Autor(innen)

Johnson, Mark J.
Mark Johnson is Professor of Art History at Brigham Young University. A scholar of ancient and Early Christian and Byzantine architecture, he has published in Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Gesta, Byzantion, and the Journal of Early Christian Studies, among other journals.