Contextualizing Roman Honorific Monuments: Statue Groups of the Imperial Family from Olympia, Ephesus, and Leptis Magna

Roman honorific monuments, particularly statue groups of the imperial family from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, are predominantly situated in four key architectural settings: temples, nymphaea, entertainment structures, and fora/agorai. These statues were strategically placed in high-traffic areas to maximize visibility and interaction during daily activities and rituals, serving as symbols of loyalty, gratitude, power, wealth, and prestige for the ruling household. The study reveals that dynastic honors are most prevalent under the Julio-Claudian and Antonine dynasties, with a notable correlation between the inception of these monuments and the first emperor of a new dynasty. By analyzing preserved statues, display contexts, patrons/dedicator(s), and historical backgrounds, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of how honorific monuments functioned within their local landscapes, providing insights into ancient social, political, and historical phenomena.

Olson, Emily Victoria. (2013). Contextualizing Roman Honorific Monuments: Statue Groups of the Imperial Family from Olympia, Ephesus, and Leptis Magna [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]. https://doi.org/10.17615/NDE2-PW69