Scipio or Crassus? The Contested Heroic Image of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722)

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722), emerged as an iconic Protestant hero and symbol of the Hanoverian Succession, overshadowing political opposition from Tories. This study reveals how Marlborough strategically shaped his public image through comparisons with ancient heroes like Scipio Africanus while leveraging Whig supremacy to cement his legacy in British popular culture. The research examines diverse literary and artistic representations, including hero merchandise and the Blenheim Palace mausoleum, highlighting the complex interplay between personal ambition, political propaganda, and cultural memory.

Roeder, T. U. (2017). Scipio or Crassus? The Contested Heroic Image of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722). Society for Army Historical Research. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.13078