This thesis is an attempt to address the surprising lack of study into the question of usurpation in late antiquity. During a period defined by a textual corpus (289-389), the thesis looks at how usurpers and usurpation were presented in the panegyrics delivered to emperors and their courts. That usurpation features very heavily in this corpus should tell us something in itself, but it is a feature of these texts which has hardly been observed. The thesis shows how the panegyrics employed aggressive rhetorical tactics that sought not to bury usurpers in silence but rather to glory in their destruction and to create characters for the usurpers and their regimes that were designed to reinforce the legitimacy claims of the victorious emperor. The language of the panegyrics concerning usurpers and usurpation is thus virtually worthless as a tool to reconstruct the historical actualities of the people and times that they discuss. It cannot be used, as some scholars have done, to give insight into the working of particular usurpations. But the study also demonstrates that the panegyrics are far too valuable a body of sources to simply ignore, as many more scholars have tended to do. The panegyrics demonstrate the beginnings of the processes of memory sanction, or damnatio memoriae, that were imposed upon defeated usurpers and, as such, give us a valuable insight into how imperial Romans recorded their history and conceived of the power structures through which they were governed. Panegyrics are vital to our understanding of usurpers and usurpation because they are the first step in the process of understanding why our narrative sources are so unreliable concerning such men.

This thesis examines the roles of imperial women in the later Roman Empire, with a central focus on the period from Constantine I to Valentinian III (306-455 AD). In this period the emperor’s role evolved from a military leader presiding over an itinerant court to a court-based figure, often a child, who was reliant on ceremonial presentation to display imperial prestige. In my analysis, I explore how the roles of imperial women developed alongside this evolution of the emperor’s own position. I also trace their roles in relation to other important developments of the period: the introduction of Christianity as the imperially favoured religion, the permanent division of Empire, and the series of military crises which affected the West in particular. Following an introduction that considers why relatively little is written on the women of the late antique court, the thesis is divided into two parts. In the first (Historical Overview and Models), Chapter 1 reviews the roles of imperial women in the period from Augustus to the establishment of the Tetrarchy, looking at nomenclature, coins and inscriptions, patronage activities, movements, literary portrayals, and cases where they were removed from their position. In Chapter 2, after providing a historical survey of the evidence for imperial women in the three dynasties of this period, I look in detail at their changing roles in the various areas considered in Chapter 1. In Part Two (Praise, Criticism, and Mischance), I consider particular case studies, divided into three general themes. Chapter 3 examines the positive portrayal and reception of imperial women in literature. In Chapter 4, I consider negative portrayals, as well as the changing reception of their images in later literature. Chapter 5 examines the consequences for women when they lost imperial protection. My conclusion summarises the trends that emerge from Part One and the case studies examined in Part Two. It is neither possible, nor is it my intention, to establish a biography of such women beyond their appearances in literary narratives. This thesis seeks instead to establish a comprehensive picture of imperial women whose roles have been neglected.

Thomas Jefferson: Life Lines is a five movement composition based on excerpts from Thomas Jefferson's personal letters. The material presented focuses on the intimate, human qualities of the man. The musical treatment of this material illuminates and amplifies different aspects of the inner Jefferson. The music is as diverse and varied as Jefferson's interests. The style, tone and form of the music are directly tied to Jefferson's words. Two fundamental components of Jefferson's being, the rational mind and the emotional heart, are musically portrayed in the introduction of the first movement. The music that follows in the first and all subsequent movements is derived from these two components. The first movement contains eight brief excerpts that highlight different aspects of Jefferson's mindset. Each of the remaining movements focuses on a single subject: The second movement, the death of Jefferson's wife, Martha; the third movement, Monticello; the fourth movement, a dialogue between Jefferson's head and heart; and the fifth movement, Jefferson's belief in the free mind. The music is presented by a chamber ensemble of twenty-two performers: five woodwinds (flute, oboe, two B-flat clarinets, bassoon), five brass (two french horns in F, trumpet in C, trombone, tuba), two percussionists, piano, four vocalists (alto, two tenors, bass) and five strings (two violins, viola, cello, double bass). Historical background for each epistolary excerpt and an explanation of the its corresponding music is found in the preface.

Esta dissertação de mestrado tem como objetivo principal a apresentação de uma tradução para a língua portuguesa do discurso conhecido como Panegírico de Trajano de Plínio, o Jovem. A presente tradução foi realizada tendo como base o texto latino estabelecido por R. A. B. Mynors (1964), e com consulta a outras edições, tais como M. Dury (1938), R. Moreno Soldevila (2010) e D. Lassandro (1992), entre outras. Além disso, este trabalho apresenta um breve estudo introdutório sobre o Panegírico de Trajano no qual se discutem questões relativas à elaboração do discurso e seus propósitos, bem como o seu enquadramento no gênero epidítico. Dessa forma, pretende-se abordar o modo como o autor relaciona a tradição romana da gratiarum actio com o tipo de encômio dirigido aos imperadores conhecido como basilikos lógos, o que, em grande parte, contribuiu para que este texto de Plínio se tornasse a primeira gratiarum actio a ser preservada para a posteridade. / This master\'s thesis has as main objective the presentation of a translation into the Portuguese language of the discourse known as Panegyric of Trajan of Pliny the Younger. The present translation was performed based on the Latin text established by RAB Mynors (1964), and in consultation with other editions, such as M. Dury (1938), R. Moreno Soldevila (2010) and D. Lassandro (1992), among others. In addition, this paper presents a brief introductory study on the Panegyric of Trajan in which questions are discussed concerning the elaboration of the discourse and its purposes, as well as its framing in the epidictic genre. This way, it is tried to approach the way in which the author relates the Roman tradition of the gratiarum actio with the type of enkomion directed to the emperors known like basilikos logos, which, in great part, contributed to this text of Pliny became the first Gratiarum actio to be preserved for posterity.

The diploma thesis deals with the forms of self-representation of the last Rosenbergs. They were using the representations to support their political positions. The paper is based on a study of the panegyrics and symbolic decorations of the Rosenbergs' castles that were used to present the virtues of the Renaissance nobleman. The study analyzes Roman motifs of the Rosenbergs' propaganda. It tries to capture the views of particular individuals on selected ancient motifs from representation of the Rosenbergs. Ancient exempla presented the Rosenbergs by using the language of symbolic communication as Christian knights.

Esta dissertação de mestrado tem como objetivo principal a apresentação de uma tradução para a língua portuguesa do discurso conhecido como Panegírico de Trajano de Plínio, o Jovem. A presente tradução foi realizada tendo como base o texto latino estabelecido por R. A. B. Mynors (1964), e com consulta a outras edições, tais como M. Dury (1938), R. Moreno Soldevila (2010) e D. Lassandro (1992), entre outras. Além disso, este trabalho apresenta um breve estudo introdutório sobre o Panegírico de Trajano no qual se discutem questões relativas à elaboração do discurso e seus propósitos, bem como o seu enquadramento no gênero epidítico. Dessa forma, pretende-se abordar o modo como o autor relaciona a tradição romana da gratiarum actio com o tipo de encômio dirigido aos imperadores conhecido como basilikos lógos, o que, em grande parte, contribuiu para que este texto de Plínio se tornasse a primeira gratiarum actio a ser preservada para a posteridade. / This master\'s thesis has as main objective the presentation of a translation into the Portuguese language of the discourse known as Panegyric of Trajan of Pliny the Younger. The present translation was performed based on the Latin text established by RAB Mynors (1964), and in consultation with other editions, such as M. Dury (1938), R. Moreno Soldevila (2010) and D. Lassandro (1992), among others. In addition, this paper presents a brief introductory study on the Panegyric of Trajan in which questions are discussed concerning the elaboration of the discourse and its purposes, as well as its framing in the epidictic genre. This way, it is tried to approach the way in which the author relates the Roman tradition of the gratiarum actio with the type of enkomion directed to the emperors known like basilikos logos, which, in great part, contributed to this text of Pliny became the first Gratiarum actio to be preserved for posterity.

Le livre VI de la Iohannis de Flavius Cresconius Corippus fait l’objet de cette thèse. Cette section du poème est axée sur la préparation et le déroulement d’une grande bataille: les tribus Maures se rassemblent et forment une nouvelle coalition, ce qui implique une totale subversion des équilibres narratifs. Une traduction complète en italien est fournie, ainsi que le commentaire de Coripp. Ioh. 6, 1-126. Une riche introduction - divisée en deux parties principales et précédant soit la traduction soit le commentaire - concerne avant tout le contexte historique et culturel de Corippe (dans la mesure où cela est possible, compte tenu de la pénurie des informations disponibles) et la tradition à travers le seul manuscrit survivant de la Iohannis, le Trivultianus 686. Il sera fait un bref rappel à la tradition manuscrite du panégyrique corippéen In laudem Iustini. La question complexe du genre littéraire est également abordée, considérant que la Iohannis contient de nombreux éléments provenant du genre épique, parallèlement à une finalité clairement encomiastique envers Jean Troglita et l’empereur Justinien lui-même. Les principaux modèles littéraires sont traités autant que le cadre idéologique et religieux, la langue, le style et le métrique de la Iohannis. On passe ensuite à l’analyse du livre VI, en ce qui concerne: la composition littéraire (entre l’histoire et les stéréotypes traditionnels), le rôle du livre dans le cadre du poème, les formes épiques et l’intérêt historique (accordant une attention particulière aux ethnonymes locaux, à la politique byzantine à l’égard des tribus insurgées, au système de valeurs et à la spiritualité des Maures). / Subject of this thesis is the sixth book of Flavius Cresconius Corippus’ Iohannis. This section is focused on the preparation and the progress of a big battle: the Moorish tribes reassemble and form a new coalition, a fact that comes with a total subversion of the narrative balance. An Italian full translation will be provided as well as the commentary of Coripp. Ioh. 6, 1-126. A rich introduction - divided into two main sections and preceding both the translation and commentary - primarily concerns Corippus’ historical and cultural background (to the extent that it is possible, considering the lack of information available) and the tradition of the Iohannis through the only surviving manuscript, the Trivultianus 686. A brief reference ismade to the manuscript tradition of Corippus’ panegyric In laudem Iustini. The complex issue of the literary genre is approached, since the Iohannis contains several elements arising from the epic genre, along with a clear encomiastic purpose torwards John Troglita and the Emperor Justinian himself. The main literary models are addressed as well as the ideological and religious framework, the language, the style and the metre of the Iohannis. After that the sixth book will be examined with regard to: literary composition (between history and literary stereotypes), role within the poem, epic shapes, historical interest (use of the indigenous ethnonyms; Byzantine policy towards the rebel tribes; Moorish value system and shared spirituality).

This study seeks to address three main questions: How do Panegyric VI, Lactantius, and Eusebius characterise and utilise their respective visions in their narratives? In what ways are they similar and/or different? Are some or all of the accounts related and, if so, how do they contribute to the Christian Vision legend? In Chapter One the vision narrative in Panegyric VI is deconstructed to show that the panegyrist describes the vision as taking place on Constantine’s return march from Massalia and that he is describing a dream-vision that took place at the sanctuary of Apollo at Grand. In Chapter Two it is argued that: Lactantius never resided in Gaul; he places the vision incorrectly in 312 because he did not know the details of the tradition and used Licinius’ dream as a template; and the Christian character of the vision is part of his interpretation. In Chapter Three Eusebius’ account is deconstructed to show that: the vision story derives from Constantine ca. 336; there is evidence that Constantine was reconstructing his past experiences; Eusebius inserted parallels with St. Paul to give the appearance of a conversion narrative; and Constantine’s actual story shows little influence of Christian socialisation. In each chapter the core elements of the narratives are highlighted: each describes a dream-vision, in which a deity appears to Constantine with a promise of victory and a token representation of that promise. In Chapter Four it is argued that Lactantius and Eusebius are describing the same symbol, which is a tau-cross with a loop; and that the panegyrist and Eusebius describe the same vision: they give the same chronology, but the panegyrist avoids referencing a solar halo because it was an inopportune omen of civil war. In conclusion, all three sources describe the same experience from different perspectives: the vision of Apollo was being constantly adapted to incorporate new historical developments. Appended also is an argument for redating Panegyric VI to August 309 on the basis of the narratives of the panegyrist and Lactantius, as well as archaeological investigations at Cologne (Constantine’s bridge over the Rhine) and Deutz (Castellum Divitia).

No description available.

The Restoration Era, 1660-1688, has long borne a reputation as an exceptionally debauched period of English history. That reputation is however a caricature, amplified from a handful of recognizable features. That rhetoric of debauchery originates in the Restoration’s own discourse, constructed as a language for opposing the rising French-style absolutism of the late Stuart kings, Charles II and James II. When Charles II was restored in 1660, enthusiastic panegyrists returned to the official aesthetics of his father Charles I, who had formulated power as abundance through pastoral, mythological, and utopian art. Oppositional satirists in the Restoration subverted that language of cornucopian abundance to represent Charles II and his court as instead excessive, diseased, and predatory. After the Glorious Revolution of 1688-9, Williamite satirists and secret historians continued to wield these themes against the exiled Jacobites. Gradually, the political facets of Stuart excess dulled, but the caricature of the debauched Restoration survived in eighteenth-century state poem collections and historiography. The authors most emphasized in this study are John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, and Andrew Marvell. Works by John Milton, John Dryden, Edmund Waller, King Charles I, and Gilbert Burnet also receive sustained attention.