Senses of the Empire ― Multisensory Approaches to Roman Culture

The primary objective of this volume is to open up a new field of enquiry in the disciplines of Roman archaeology and ancient history. It develops theoretical and methodological approaches (originating in philosophy and sociology) which have to date been applied predominantly to studies of prehistoric archaeological contexts and to literary analyses of the classical world. The authors not only develop ground-breaking methodologies and approaches for sensory studies but also demonstrate the practical application of these through specific case studies. To ensure a multisensory approach is taken, all chapters focus on at least two of the senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, including kinaesthesia. The chapters are linked by the contributors’ use of a multisensory analysis, but individual approaches vary. This breadth of topics and methodologies reflects the wide application of sensory studies. Underlying all chapters is a conviction that taking a multisensory approach enriches our understanding of the Roman empire, but also an awareness of the methodological problems encountered when recreating past experiences.

Eleanor Betts is Baron Thyssen Lecturer in Classical Studies at the Open University. Her research focuses on the multisensory interrelationships of the human body, material culture and archaeological landscapes. Her particular areas of interest are Roman urbanism and religion in Roman and Iron Age Italy (primarily Picenum, modern Marche), with an emphasis on concepts and use of space.