Cultural Studies

This research scrutinises the current “representation” of the Mapuche people in Argentinian newspapers.By an analysis of 225 newspaper articles within the framework of decolonial studies and using the methodology of critical discourse analysis, the main question that this study seeks to answer is how the Mapuche have been represented in Argentina in the period of 2016 (January- December). This case example shows that, for the analysed period, there are still traces of racist discourses present in the media, and outlines some suggestions for how the dominant discourse of that period could be decolonized.

The presentation examines the residential capitals (sedes imperii) of tetrarchic rulers between 284 and 324 AD. It includes Mediolanum (Milan), Augusta Treverorum (Trier), Nicomedia (Izmit) and Thessalonica, as well as lesser known residences such as Aquileia, Antiochia (Antakya), Serdica (Sofia) and Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica).

If a specific concept of urban planning can be witnessed in the architectural furnishing of the sedes imperii with palatial complexes, hippodromes and partially mausoleums and whether it corresponds with the idea of sovereignty during the Tetrarchy, has been discussed in academia for several years by now.  First, by taking into account the latest findings of archeological research, it is examined if the assumption of a specific urban layout of the sedes imperii can be verified and how this is visible in the buildings of that time. Secondly, I will discuss how the monumentalization of the tetrarchic residential capitals is related to the new concept of sovereignty in Late Antiquity. This will be based on the hypothesis that the palatial complexes formed the architectural framework to establish and visualize the new tetrarchic ideology of leadership and sovereignty.

During his reign, Maxentius initiated a number of building activities that had an impact on the structural layout of the Roman civic center. On the Palatine he built thermae, which completed and enhanced the monumental façade of the palatial complex towards the Circus Maximus. Furthermore, the basilica of Maxentius was commenced, a large scale building which has to be seen in the context of the late antique aulae, such as the one in Trier. Adjoining the basilica the temple of Venus and Roma was restored. Altogether these measures show a clear commitment to Rome´s renewed status as capital and residence of the emperor under Maxentian rule. In addition to these buildings in the Roman civic center, Maxentius built a villa suburbana in the Via Appia. This complex shows highly innovative features, since it does not adhere to the typical layout of a suburban residential complex. The site contains not only residential buildings, but also a hippodrome and a mausoleum, which where characteristic for tetrarchic palatial complexes within cities and old-age residences respectively.

In my presentation I will examine how the building activities of Maxentius in Rome illustrated a new concept of sovereignty, corresponding to the changing imperatorial ideology in Late Antiquity. Furthermore, it shall be discussed how the Maxentian buildings are to be evaluated in the context of the building activities in the residential capitals of other tetrarchic rulers. My hypothesis is that the Maxentian building activities reflect a very innovative approach towards the new challenges of late antique imperatorial self-representation. While the general features of his building activities – the combination of palace and circus, an aula for audiences, the facilitation of a tutelary goddess – may be considered typical for tetrarchic times, Maxentius found highly individual solutions within this context that did not only emphasize traditional Roman values, but also reflected the altered, more sacred status of the emperor in Late Antiquity.

For a long time, Maxentius was mainly seen as an emperor who cherished and restored the Roman traditions to differentiate himself from the tetrarchic rulers and their decentralized government. Hence, Maxentian buildings were primarily considered to be a tribute to Rome’s grandeur.  Undoubtedly, Maxentian self-representation relied heavily on the idea of the Roma Aeterna and the image of Maxentius as conservator urbis suae. Nevertheless, the way he visualized his claim to power in his buildings shows that he highly adapted to the late antique concept of sovereignty and its means of illustration.

This paper attempts to define characteristics of cities that served as principal residences of Tetrarchic emperors in contrast to other types of imperial residences during the Tetrarchy.  Furthermore, it will be discussed if there was a pattern within the architectural monumentalization of the principal residences. It is proposed that the specific urban layout with palaces, circuses and infrastructural buildings formed the architectural framework to establish and visualize the Tetrarchic concept of sovereignty.
The palaces with audience halls, elaborate facades and intricate entrances reflected and accentuated the increasingly transcendent role of the emperor in Late Antiquity. The spatial connection of the palace area with the circus underlined the role of the latter as a place for ritualized interaction between the sovereign and his people. At the same time the visibility of the palace from the spectator ranks of the circus symbolized the presence of the emperor, even when he was not present in person. The empire wide distribution of this concept, together with infrastructural buildings such as imperial thermae, warehouses and the extension of the city walls, illustrated the unity of the council of rulers and the merits of the Tetrarchic system. Hence, the Tetrarchic building activities in the principal residences contributed to the representation of the empire-wide authority of the Tetrarchic emperors.
Conference:  Regionalism and Integration in the Later Roman Empire (270-305), University of St. Andrews
Event Date: 15 June 2016

The paper attempts to define characteristics of cities that served as principal residences of Tetrarchic emperors in contrast to other types of imperial residences during the Tetrarchy.
This presentation focusses on the imperial court as a physical entity in architectural terms. What did palaces in Tetrarchic times look like, how can they be compared to other palace buildings of Roman emperors before and after the Tetrarchy and what other buildings apart from palaces defined a Tetrarchic principal residence? To broaden the perspective, I will then proceed to examine the building activities of  Maxentius in Rome in the context of the Tetrarchic building policy.  Finally, a short Outlook will be given how Constantine combined aspects of the Tetrarchic building policy with the renewed dynastic approach of a sole ruler in his new and very own city, Constantinople.
Conference: The Ninth Celtics Conference in Classics, Panel: The Roman Imperial Court from the Antonines to the Theodosians
Date: 22-25 June 2016, UCD Dublin

This paper attempts to define characteristics of cities that served as principal residences of Tetrarchic emperors in contrast to other types of imperial residences during the Tetrarchy.  Furthermore, it will be discussed if there was a pattern within the architectural embellishment of the principal residences. It is proposed that the specific urban layout with palaces, circuses and infrastructural buildings formed the architectural framework to establish and visualize the Tetrarchic concept of sovereignty.