The Cultural Politics of Public Spectacle in Rome and the Greek East, 167-166 BCE (original) (raw)

This essay examines the cultural and political significance of public spectacles in Rome and the Greek East during a pivotal moment in Mediterranean history, specifically between 167-166 BCE. Focusing on three major events, it argues that these spectacles did not occur in isolation but were part of a competitive engagement with previous cultural traditions, highlighting the interplay between innovation and tradition. By analyzing the celebrated performances, the study reveals how such events facilitated cultural interaction and political discourse, ultimately shaping collective memory and community identity in the Roman and Greek worlds.