The Ruins of Rome: A Cultural History - Hardcover

Mayer, Roland

  • 4.17 out of 5 stars
    6 ratings by Goodreads
 
9781009430104: The Ruins of Rome: A Cultural History
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 1009430106 ISBN 13: 9781009430104
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2025

Synopsis

The beguiling ruins of Rome have a long history of allure. They first engaged the attention of later mediaeval tourists, just as they do today. The interest of travellers was captured in the Renaissance by artists, architects, topographers, antiquarians, archaeologists and writers. Once the ruins were seen to appeal to visitors, and to matter for their aesthetic quality, their protection and attractive presentation became imperative. Rome's ruins were the first to be the object of preservation orders, and novel measures were devised for their conservation in innovative archaeological parks. The city's remains provided models for souvenirs; paintings of them decorated the walls of eighteenth-century English country houses; and picturesque sham Roman ruins sprang up in landscape gardens across Europe. Writers responded in various ways to their emotional appeal. Roland Mayer's attractive new history will delight all those interested in the remarkable survival and preservation of a unique urban environment.

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About the Author

ROLAND MAYER is Emeritus Professor of Classics at King's College London.

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Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Publication date
2025
Language
English
ISBN 10 
1009430106
ISBN 13 
9781009430104
Binding
Hardcover
Number of pages
394
Rating
  • 4.17 out of 5 stars
    6 ratings by Goodreads