Children in the Visual Arts of Imperial Rome

Modern approaches to Roman imperialism have characterized Romanization as a benign or neutral process of cultural exchange between Roman and non-Roman, conqueror and conquered. Though supported by some literary and archaeological evidence, these theories are not reflected in the visual imagery of the Roman ruling elite. In official imperial art, Roman children are most often shown in depictions of peaceful public gatherings before the emperor, whereas non-Roman children appear only in scenes of submission, triumph, or violent military activity. Images of children, those most fraught with potential in Roman art, underscore the contrast between Roman and non-Roman and as a group present a narrative of Roman identity. As Jeannine Uzzi argues in this study, the stark contrast between images of Roman and non-Roman children conveys the ruling elite’s notions of what it meant to be Roman.

• Uses images of children to explore political ideology of Roman conquerers toward the conquered subjects • Approach is a synthesis from both classics and art history • Interested in the most basic question of Roman history, politics, and social history: What does it mean to be Roman?

1. Introduction: the question; 2. Evidence, methodology, and the child image; 3. Imperial largesse; 4. Public gathering; 5. Anaglypha Traiani/Hadriani; 6. Submission; 7. Triumph; 8. Battle ground; 9. Ara Pacis; 10. Conclusion: a narrative of identity; Appendix: Children in nonofficial imagery.