Roman Itineraries: A Cultural Approach.

Conyers, Timothy (2024) Roman Itineraries: A Cultural Approach. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

[img] Text
Conyers_T_MA_Thesis.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (1MB)

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to examine some selected examples of modified Roman itineraria using some of the ideas of transculturalism as a potential analytical framework to better understand them. In particular, to highlight the theme of ‘cultural production as meaningmaking’ seen in some of these navigational aids. Looking at particular examples of Roman itineraria, it is possible to see that additional meaning has been added. But trying to understand where and how these innovations originated is challenging. A cultural study of Roman itineraria, across the broad expanse of time and space that constituted the Roman Empire, makes it far more difficult to identify any specific zones of interaction or who was influencing whom. And yet it does seem safe to conclude that some of these instances of modified or repurposed itineraries are the result of one or more syncretic processes. Joseph Maran’s more fluid approach to transculturalism, thinking about culture and not cultures, may be a more suitable way to understand them. In response to change and new influences the concept of the itinerary morphed into new forms, while still retaining some or all of its original intent to inform the traveller, or at least retain its recognisability as a travel aid. In some of the examples cited, the widespread familiarity with the basic itinerary form was a key to its successful adaptation.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D051 Ancient History
Divisions: Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations
Depositing User: Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited: 24 Jan 2025 09:50
Last Modified: 24 Jan 2025 09:50
URI: https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3348

Administrator Actions (login required)

Edit Item - Repository Staff Only Edit Item - Repository Staff Only