The False Narratives of the Fall of Rome Mapped Onto America

Author and Background

1. Sarah E. Bond: Associate professor of history at the University of Iowa.

   • Expertise: Focus on antiquity and digital humanities.

   • Publication: Author of Trade and Taboo: Disreputable Professions in the Roman Mediterranean.

Themes in Art and Historical Reinterpretations

• Importance of the Sack of Rome:

  • The fascination with the fall of Rome often stems from modern fears rather than historical accuracy.

  • Depictions of the sack often convey xenophobia and misrepresentation of historical events.

• 19th-century Depictions:

  • Anachronistic artwork is often used in modern media to illustrate the destruction of Rome, leading to misconceptions about the identity and actions of historical groups like the Goths and Vandals.

  • Examples include Joseph-Noël Sylvestre’s painting of the sack of Rome by barbarians in 410.

• Historical Context:

  • 410 CE: The city of Rome was sacked by Gothic troops led by Alaric; this was the first incursion into Rome in 800 years.

    • Last sack prior was by the Gauls in 387/6 BCE.

  • 455 CE: Another sack, executed by Vandals, left significant treasures taken from the city, impacting future ethnonyms and historical narratives.

Influence of Literature and Philosophy

• Response to Events:

  • Augustine’s The City of God addressed the shockwaves from the Gothic raid.

  • Saint Jerome described his emotional turmoil recalling the event.

• Political Interpretations:

  • 18th-century Enlightenment scholars, notably Edward Gibbon, framed the fall of Rome as a cautionary tale for their own times, drawing parallels between ancient Rome and contemporary society.

  • Comparative narratives have emerged around modern societies resembling the decline of the Roman Empire, often manipulated by conservative ideologies.

Artistic Interpretations over Time

• Examples of Notable Works:

  • Karl Bryullov, in his Genseric’s Invasion of Rome, projected contemporary anxieties onto past events, portraying Vandals in anachronistic clothing.

  • Thomas Cole’s The Course of Empire: A series of paintings allegorizing the rise and fall of civilizations, reflecting political critiques of his era.

• Re-contextualization:

  • Modern scholars and historians challenge the ease of reductionist narratives from the past, arguing for greater complexity in understanding Roman history.

Modern Connections and Misunderstandings

• Continuing Legacy:

  • Misinterpretations of historical events continue, influencing current perceptions of immigration and cultural identity.

  • Artists and historians advocate for better representation of ancient cultures in media to combat stereotypes and inaccurate portrayals.

Calls for Change

• Future Directions:

  • Emphasizing historical accuracy in art and media could reshape understandings of the past.

  • Collaborative efforts between historians and artists are necessary to provide an authentic depiction of ancient narratives.