1st Edition
Juvenal's Global Awareness Circulation, Connectivity, and Empire
In Juvenal’s Global Awareness Osman Umurhan applies theories of globalization to an investigation of Juvenal’s articulation and understanding of empire, imperialism and identity. Umurhan explains how the increased interconnectivity between different localities, ethnic and political, shapes Juvenal’s view of Rome as in constant flux and motion. Theoretical and sociological notions of deterritorialization, time-space compression and the rhizome inform the satirist’s language of mobility and his construction of space and place within second century Rome and its empire. The circulation of people, goods and ideas generated by processes of globalization facilitates Juvenal’s negotiation of threats and changes to Roman institutions that include a wide array of topics, from representatios of the army and food to discussions of cannibalism and language. Umurhan’s analysis stresses that Juvenalian satire itself is a rhizome in both function and form. This study is designed for audiences interested in Juvenal, empire and globalization under Rome.
Chapter 1 – Introduction: Geography, Empire and Globalization
Chapter 2 – Culture and Globalization: Satires 1, 3, 6-7 and 9
Chapter 3 – Food and Globalization: Satires 4, 5 and 11
Chapter 4 – Globalization and the Periphery: Satire 15
Chapter 5 – Globalization and the Army’s Circulation of Empire: Satire 16
Chapter 6 – Epilogue: The Rhizome Satirist
Index
Biography
Osman Umurhan is Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of New Mexico, USA.
"Umurhan delivers a new and entirely welcome reading of the Satires. He succeeds admirably in walking a fine line: making a coherent argument for heterogeneity is no mean feat. Above all, the command of theory on display sets Umurhan apart; he is able to trace the historiography of different theoretical concepts with rare clarity. He offers a model for the considered and productive application of postcolonial concepts from which all those interested in Roman Imperial literature could benefit." - Bryn Mawr Classical Review
