Constructing Identities in Late Antiquity

The essays in Constructing Identities in Late Antiquity concern themselves with the theme of identity, an increasingly popular topic in Classical studies. Through detailed discussions of particular Roman texts and images, the contributors show not only how these texts were used to create and organise particular visions of late antique society and culture, but also how constructions of identity and culture contributed to the fashioning of 'late antiquity' into a distinct historical period.

Through detailed discussions of particular Roman texts and images, Constructing Identities in Late Antiquity examines the formation of identity in the Roman Empire. The contributors show not only how these texts were used to create and organize particular visions of late antique society and culture, but also how constructions of identity and culture contributed to the fashioning of "late antiquity" into a discrete historical period.

The essays in the volume concern themselves with three particular developments, the changes in imperial self-representation and ideology, the influx of "barbarians" and the emergence of Christianity. The contributors deploy a variety of perspectives and critical approaches to investigate how the varied responses to these changes affected the way that individuals and groups constructed themselves in late antiquity.

Richard Miles is a Research Fellow in Classical Studies at the Open University, and a Teaching By-Fellow and Director of Studies in Classics at Churchill College, Cambridge. He is currently working on a book on text and authority in the late antique North African church.