Self-Presentation and Identity in the Roman World

Book excerpt: Questions on identity have been often the main focus of Classical Studies. The starting point of this book is that identity is not a monolithic idea. Instead of exploring what exactly ‘identity’ is, the contributors here examine how the concept of ‘self-presentation’ can facilitate our understanding of how individuals present their identities. Moreover, the interpretation of the means and character of this self-presentation itself enables more general conclusions to be drawn. Topics covered in this volume include identities shaped through the self-presentation of authors in Latin literature, and explorations on epigraphy and historical analyses. Overall, using the theme of self-presentation, the contributors offer a glimpse into various subjects and suggest new ways for students and scholars to approach the different forms of individual and communal identities.