A Helping Hand from the Divine. Notes on the Triumphalist Iconography of the Early Theodosians (original) (raw)

This paper explores the triumphalist iconography associated with the early Theodosian era, focusing on how rhetorical constructions of imperial morality intertwined with Christian themes shaped perceptions of the emperor's divine support. It examines the representation of Theodosius’ victories, particularly the narratives portraying his successes as resultant from spiritual rather than purely military efforts. Moreover, it highlights the transformation in Roman ideological frameworks that emphasized the emperor’s moral standing as a crucial element for the empire's supernatural legitimacy, alongside the evolving symbolism surrounding the concepts of victory and divine providence in the context of the pressures posed by the Goths.