Imperial Cults: Religion and Empire in Early China and Rome

Description

Imperial Cults is a comparative study of the transformation of imperial religion and imperial authority in the early Han and Roman empires. During the reigns of the Emperor Wu of Han and Octavian Augustus of Rome, the rulers undertook substantial reforms to their respective systems of cult, at a time when they were re-shaping the idea of imperial authority and consolidating their own power. The changes made to religious institutions during their reigns show how these reforms were a fundamental part of the imperial consolidation. Employing a comparative methodology the author discusses some of the common strategies employed by the two rulers in order to centre religious and political authority around themselves. Both rulers incorporated new men from outside of the established court elite to serve in their religious institutions and as advisors, thus weakening the authority of those who had traditionally held it. They both expanded the reach of their imperially-sponsored cult, and refashioned important ceremonies to demonstrate and communicate the unprecedented achievements of each ruler. Emperor Wu recruited experts in mantic knowledge from far reaches of the empire, while Augustus co-opted loyal followers into the newly revived priestly colleges. Robinson shows how the rulers used their respective religious institutions to consolidate their authority, secure support, and communicate their authority to the elite and commoners alike. By using the comparative approach, the author not only reveals similar trends in the formation of ancient empires, but also shows how new perspectives on familiar material can be found when engaging with other societies. Cover Half-Title Title Copyright Contents List of Illustrations Acknowledgements 1. Introduction Comparative Ancient History Comparing “Religion” in the Ancient World Sources Chapter Outlines 2. Transitions to Empire in Early China and Rome From Republic to Empire in Rome All under Heaven in Early China Empire, Convergence, and Divergence 3. State Cult in Early China and Rome Characteristics of Imperial Cult in Early China Roman Religious Institutions Conclusion 4. Reshaping Religious Institutions New Men in Han China: The Fangshi Priestly Colleges in Augustan Rome Conclusion 5. Expanding Influence Expanding Influence outside the Han Capital Priestly and Political Power in Rome Conclusion 6. Communicating Imperial Authority Public Display as Media Rebuilding Rome Inspection Tours and Publicity in the Han Conclusion 7. Redefining Ceremony Establishing New Sacrifices in the Han Reviving Festivals in Augustan Rome Epoch-.Making Sacrifices: The Feng and Shan Sacrifices and the Ludi Saeculares Conclusion 8. Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index