Roman Identity

Chapter Overview

Title: Roman Identity

Editors: Alessandro Barchiesi, Walter Scheidel

Publication: The Oxford Handbook of Roman Studies, 2010

Online & Print ISBN: 9780191743962, 9780199211524

Pages: 266-280

Keywords: Romans, Greeks, identity, ethnicity, race, barbarians, citizenship

Subject Areas: Ancient Roman History, Classical History, Classical Studies

Introduction to Roman Identity

• The concepts of 'identity' and 'ethnicity' are prominent in modern scholarship and often used interchangeably when discussing ancient groups.

• The blend of sociological usage and perceived authenticity has led scholars to use 'ethnicity' when referring to Roman identity, despite the absence of a direct ancient equivalence.

• Ancient Roman identity is complex and involves discussions around blood, descent, language, culture, and the implications of citizenship.

The Perspective of Strabo

• The geographer Strabo remarks on the transformation of the Turdetani as they adopted Roman ways, indicating a shift in identity to becoming Latins and wearing togas, symbolizing Romanization.

• This reflects themes of cultural, institutional, and political changes in understanding what it means to be Roman, as well as the Greek perceptions of Romans as both civilized and barbaric.

Modern Terminology and Conceptual Framework

Identity and Ethnicity in Modern Scholarship

• Modern scholars grapple with the fluid definitions of 'identity' and 'ethnicity,' shaped by their cultural contexts and influences.

• Emphasis on subjective understandings of identity complicates the application of modern definitions historically (e.g., viewing identities under nation-states).

The Subjective Nature of Ethnicity

• Ethnic identity in ancient contexts often relates to descent and culture but lacks strict criteria that contemporary scholars might expect.

• Scholars must navigate the difficulty of using modern definitions prescriptively without imposing today’s standards on ancient constructs.

Approaches to Roman Identity

• The study of Roman identity is informed by the exploration of texts, material culture, and the impact of imperial power.

• Historical narratives depict a complex interplay where texts serve as Romanocentric viewpoints while material cultures reflect local identities and dynamic lived experiences.

Greek-Barbarian Dichotomy

• Romans engaged creatively with the Greek-barbarian dichotomy, explaining their identity relative to these classifications.

• Roman self-perception involved oscillating between identifying as culturally superior Greeks or resisting such classifications by embracing their own distinctiveness.

• The integration of Greek cultural influences redefined Roman identity, while debates about the significance of ethnic distinctions shaped self-definition.

The Concept of Race in Roman Context

• Language related to 'race' in the Roman world involved notions of blood purity and descent but does not align with modern racial constructs.

• Scholars debate whether Roman society showcased inherent racism or whether it was more fluid, emphasizing class and social dynamics over strict racial hierarchies.

Changing and Multiple Identities

• Rome’s expansion led to constantly evolving identities for its citizens and subjects, evidenced by legislation around citizenship and manumission.

• The concept of ‘Novi Homines' reflects the fluidity between local and Roman identities, showcasing how individuals navigated cultural and social landscapes.

• Cicero’s formulation of two fatherlands illustrates the tension between local and Roman identities, signifying a shift towards significant recognition of a broader Roman familial identity.

Conclusion

• The complexity of Roman identity extends beyond mere citizenship or ethnicity, involving a multitude of cultural, social, and personal factors.

• The ongoing debates about the nature of identity, the function of ethnicity in a mobile society, and the manifestations of those identities in both texts and material culture continue to evolve within Roman studies.