"'Memorials to the Ability of Them All': Tetrarchic Displays in the Roman Forum's Central Area (original) (raw)

In late ancient Rome, the installation of portrait statues of emperors in the Roman Forum marked a significant political strategy for local senators, aiming to enhance their prestige through visual representations. This paper examines the Tetrarchic displays around 300 CE, exploring how these imperial portraits reshaped public space and elite status perceptions in Rome. By synthesizing insights from Adam T. Smith's analysis of political landscapes and their effects on public perception, the study reveals the intertwining of art, politics, and urban space in reflecting the aspirations and dynamics of governance during the later Roman Empire.