Book

Fashionable life in Rome as portrayed by Seneca

[s.n.] • Philadelphia • Published In 1939 • Pages:

By: Rivenburg, Marjorie Josephine.

Abstract

This brief document is an attempt to show 'the view that Seneca had of the fashionable life and manners of his day'(p.126). The period covered is that of the early years of the empire, from approximately 35-65 A.D., when he died. Senecas strong moral opinions and philosophical interests led him to comment in his letters and essays on everything from visits to patrons, dining and entertaining, to proper personal appearance, and the correct style of language for greetings, conversation, speeches and letters. He also wrote about the social aspects of the various stages of the life cycle: birth, majority, betrothal, weddings, and funerals; about travel; and about the social status deriving from birth, sex, age, occupation, and political office. Since the document is a dissertation in Latin (studies), Rivenburg frequently quotes Senecas most pithy or entertaining remarks in the original, which will leave many with the feeling of being left out of a private joke. While the coverage is broad rather than deep, the document is especially valuable for its insights into the moral judgements of the time.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

Europe

Sub Region

Southern Europe

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Humanist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Martin Malone ; 1977

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

ca. 15-65 A.D. [Seneca 4 B.C.- 65 A.D.]

Coverage Place

Rome, Italy

Notes

[by] Marjorie Josephine Rivenburg

Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-130)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 1938

LCCN

39010802

LCSH

Rome--Social life and customs