This paper seeks to continue the research started by scholars such as W. Liebeschuetz and P. Bell in order to challenge the traditional argument put forth by Al. Cameron, namely that the circus factions did not have a political role in society. The objective of this study is to examine the political importance of the circus factions from the reign of Anastasius (491-518) to Heraclius (610-641). Furthermore, it explores the political motivations behind the factions’ violent behaviour, the evidence for their involvement in the military, and their role in accession ceremonies. The methodology includes establishing a typology for sixth century riots, an examination of the hippodrome and its role as a medium between people and emperor, tracing the shift in the focus of imperial ideology, and a re-evaluation of the primary sources, with a focus on the literary and epigraphic evidence, to determine if there was a political aspect to the factions. The study concludes that Cameron did undervalue the factions’ political importance and outlines the conditions that were influential in their rise in importance.

This PhD research has furnished the occasion to update the outdated works about Late Roman coinage focusing especially on a topic not so commonly examined like the Late Roman silver coinage. More precisely, it is analysed and discussed some of its more intriguing aspects. First of all how silver, as metal, was considered and perceived in Late Roman society and, therefore, why during fifth century AD silver bullion was used to produce fine silver objects rather than coins. Two different Late Roman customs concerning silver coinage are then reviewed: hoarding, with a list of most recent findings, and clipping. Finally a chapter is dedicated to the metrology and fineness of Late Roman silver coins together with an accurate analysis of the 7 different denominations. This extensive and deep discussion about Late Roman silver coinage's main problematics is completed by the most recent and updated catalogue of all the Late Roman silver denominations known so far. Such a review has given not only the possibility of updating or modifying some of the previous theories but also the opportunity to suggest some new ideas. --------------------------------------- Podrobně jsou zkoumány některé konkrétní zásadsní otázky, především jakým způsobem bylo v pozdně římské společnosti vnímáno stříbro jako kov a proč tedy...

This paper seeks to continue the research started by scholars such as W. Liebeschuetz and P. Bell in order to challenge the traditional argument put forth by Al. Cameron, namely that the circus factions did not have a political role in society. The objective of this study is to examine the political importance of the circus factions from the reign of Anastasius (491-518) to Heraclius (610-641). Furthermore, it explores the political motivations behind the factions’ violent behaviour, the evidence for their involvement in the military, and their role in accession ceremonies. The methodology includes establishing a typology for sixth century riots, an examination of the hippodrome and its role as a medium between people and emperor, tracing the shift in the focus of imperial ideology, and a re-evaluation of the primary sources, with a focus on the literary and epigraphic evidence, to determine if there was a political aspect to the factions. The study concludes that Cameron did undervalue the factions’ political importance and outlines the conditions that were influential in their rise in importance.