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Document Details : Title: On the Location and Importance of Ancestral References in the Official Titulature of Imperial Co-Rulers (2nd-3rd Centuries AD) Author(s): SLOOTJES, Daniëlle Journal: Ancient Society Volume: 45 Date: 2015 Pages: 267-284 DOI: 10.2143/AS.45.0.3110549 Abstract : Imperial titulature represented an instrument for emperors to create and express their image and ideology. Publicly stating their outstanding ancestry was a way of legitimising their imperial claim. So far, most analyses of imperial titulature have focused on the meaning of the specific titles and references to imperial ancestors, and on the epiteths as markers of real and symbolic power. Hardly any attention, yet, has been given to the order of the different components within the titulature. An analysis of the location of references to imperial ancestors and family members within that titulature demonstrates how emperors in co-rulership, i.e. either two Imperatores, or an Imperator and his Caesar, in the second and third centuries AD adjusted the order of the different elements of their titulature as a means of expressing their particular position within the joint rulership. |
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