Future Knowledge and Imperial Acceptance in Late Antique Historiography and Epideictic Rhetoric: From Constantine to Honorius (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9789004714786)

This book analyses late antique historiography and epideictic texts, focusing on how divine knowledge of imperial futures safeguarded the legitimacy of Roman emperors. It begins with Constantine and his tetrarchic colleagues (A), before moving to Constantius II and Julian (B), then Valens (C), and ending with Theodosius and Honorius (D).The impact of future knowledge in these texts could be felt both in the present circumstances of their composition and in perpetuity, as visions of the future reflect either the confidence or boastful arrogance of history's protagonists, their divine inspiration or doom, and ultimately, their place in imperial memory.

Author: Michael Hanaghan
ISBN-10: 9004714782
ISBN-13: 9789004714786
Publisher: Brill
Language: English
Published: 12/19/2024
Pages: 300
Format: Hardcover