Augustus and the Greek World

190 Pages·1965·4.42 MB·English

by  G. W. Bowersock

G.W. BOWERSOCK
A U G U S T US
A ND THE
GREEK
W O R LD
OXFORD • AT THE CLARENDON PRESS
THE principal theme of this work is
the process of consolidation of the
Graeco-Roman world under the em­
peror Augustus. The book is the
first to examine in detail the relations
between Rome and the Greek-speak­
ing peoples at this pivotal point in
Roman history. Attention is paid to
links with republican patterns of dip­
lomacy as well as to adumbrations
of the second-century empire. No
attempt has been made to furnish a
narrative account of familiar
material.
AUGUSTUS
AND T HE GREEK
WORLD
Oxford University Press, Ely House, London W. i
GLASGOW NEW YORK TORONTO MELBOURNE WELLINGTON
CAPE TOWN SALISBURY I BAD AN NAIROBI LUSAKA ADDIS ABABA
BOMBAY CALCUTTA MADRAS KARACHI LAHORE DACCA
KUALA LUMPUR HONG KONG TOKYO
AUGUSTUS
AND THE GREEK WORLD
G. W. BOWERSOCK
OXFORD
AT THE CLARENDON PRESS
© Oxford University Press 1965
FIRST PUBLISHED I965
REPRINTED LITHOGRAPHICALLY IN GREAT BRITAIN
AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, OXFORD
FROM CORRECTED SHEETS OF THE FIRST EDITION
BY VIVIAN RIDLER
PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY
I966
MANIBUS PATRIS
ET MATRI

P R E F A CE
F
OR its day (1890) The Greek World under Roman Sway by
Professor Mahaffy was admirable; and Ludwig Hahn's
Rom und Romanismus im griechisch-romischen Osten, pub­
lished early in this century, made valuable contributions to the
understanding of Rome and the East generally. But these
books were never adequate for an appreciation of any closely
defined period of Roman history, especially one so crucial as
the Augustan Principate. Now they are also out of date. New
evidence is still appearing, and the brilliant researches of
Conrad Cichorius, Louis Robert, Michael Rostovtzeff, and
Sir Ronald Syme have revealed the importance of applying
new techniques to the study of Roman relations with the
Greek-speaking peoples. The studies of these four men are the
foundation of this book.
The principal theme of the following pages is the process of
consolidation of the Graeco-Roman world under the first Prin-
ceps. The subject has been approached along lines relatively
unexplored for this period. No attempt has been made to
furnish a narrative account of familiar history, since the reign
of Augustus is too well known. There is no examination here of
the Augustan East province by province; nor have Rome's
dealings with Parthia and Armenia been deemed relevant:
so extensive and difficult a subject, though connected with
the present one, requires independent treatment. In general,
topics—however fascinating and important—which do not
somehow illuminate the main theme for the period under study
have perforce been omitted.
A great many scholars have helped me at various times.
Above all, I am indebted to Professor Syme for encourage­
ment and guidance; his prodigious and profound under­
standing of the Roman Empire has been a constant inspiration.
I am also grateful to my friend and teacher, Mr. Russell
Meiggs, for continuing interest. Among others in Oxford
who have assisted me in matters of substance I should like
viii PREFACE
particularly to thank Mr. E. W. Gray, Mrs, M. I. Henderson,
Dr. B. M. Levick, and Dr. F. G. B. Millar. I have had
valuable information from Athens through the courtesy of
Mr. H. IS. Robinson and Mr. E. Vanderpool. In America the
late Professor A. D. Nock of Harvard discussed several com­
plex topics with me. Mr. C. P. Jones has unselfishly aided me
throughout. Finally, I wish to express my appreciation to the
Master and Fellows of Balliol College, Oxford, as well as to
the Department of the Classics at Harvard and the Master of
Eliot House, for providing comfortable and congenial environ­
ments for the preparation of this work.
G. W. B.
Eliot House
December 1964