Shakespeare called him "Th' abstract of all faults / That all men follow". For Plutarch he was a bon vivant whose excessive appetites and poor judgement overwhelmed his potential for greatness. History remembers him as the man who threw away an empire for love: an imperfect romantic hero, dashing but decadent, whose tragic narrative is conveniently contained by his death by suicide in Cleopatra's arms. Stemming from hostile Roman propaganda in the years leading up to his death, Mark Antony is generally presented in popular culture as a deeply flawed character, subject to emotional and physical excesses that are understood in gendered terms as defective, feminised masculinity. His notoriety for drunkenness, debauchery, decadence and profligacy have survived and flourished in contemporary screen representations. But who was Mark Antony? Was he Richard Burton's Byronic dilettante, the brooding soldier who allows his love for Cleopatra to dictate his political policy? Was he James Purefoy's amoral, impulsive bully-boy, loyal to no-one but himself and dedicated to the relentless pursuit of bodily gratification? Both - or neither? In this fascinating account of a classical figure and his reception in popular culture, Rachael Kelly traces the Mark Antony myth in Hollywood historical epic film and television and examines the complex discourses of hegemonic masculinity that have shaped it. Certain tropes occur time and again in constructing Mark Antony for the screen, nurtured by the strong influence of Roman gendered social mores on Western society. Kelly exposes and examines these tropes in order to look at how and why Mark Antony as pop culture icon differs so substantially and specifically from the actual historical figure Marcus Antonius - once the most powerful man in the Roman world, and the man who nearly led the Republic into empire.

The mass of the Roman people constituted well over 90% of the population. Much ancient history, however, has focused on the lives, politics and culture of the minority elite. This book helps redress the balance by focusing on the non-elite in the Roman world. It builds a vivid account of the everyday lives of the masses, including their social and family life, health, leisure and religious beliefs, and the ways in which their popular culture resisted the domination of the ruling elite. The book highlights previously under-considered aspects of popular culture of the period to give a fuller picture. It is the first book to take fully into account the level of mental health: given the physical and social environment that most people faced, their overall mental health mirrored their poor physical health. It also reveals fascinating details about the ways in which people solved problems, turning frequently to oracles for advice and guidance when confronted by difficulties. Our understanding of the non-elite world is further enriched through the depiction of sensory dimensions: Toner illustrates how attitudes to smell, touch, and noise all varied with social status and created conflict, and how the emperors tried to resolve these disputes as part of their regeneration of urban life. Popular Culture in Ancient Rome offers a rich and accessible introduction to the usefulness of the notion of popular culture in studying the ancient world and will be enjoyed by students and general readers alike.

In this final novel in the Roman series, McCullough turns her attention to the legendary romance of Antony and Cleopatra.

Learn why Cicero is considered one of the most important individuals in all of Western culture! Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was a poet, philosopher, writer, scholar, barrister, statesman, patriot, and the linguist who helped make Latin into a universal language. His many influences in rhetoric, politics, literature, and ideas are seen throughout Western civilization. Cicero, Classicism, and Popular Culture explores the fascinating man behind the eloquence and his monumental effect on language, morality, and popularity of Western culture. One of the leading authorities on popular culture, Dr. Marshall Fishwick discusses the multifaceted man who may be, besides Jesus, the central figure in all of Western civilization. The author recounts his own personal quest of traveling the land and ancient cities of Italy, gleaning insights from people he met along the way who have knowledge about Cicero’s life and times. However, Cicero, Classicism, and Popular Culture is more than a simple search for the man and his accomplishments, a man whose mere words changed the way people think. This book shows in each of us the roots of our own ideas, beliefs, and culture. Cicero, Classicism, and Popular Culture discusses: Cicero’s rise to acclaim his affect on the language of popular culture common traits Cicero shared with Thomas Jefferson rhetoric, the art of oratory community two pivotal essays on friendship and old age vision of his reputation the search for peace Marshall McLuhan, Ciceronian Cicero’s Rome Cicero’s ancestral home of Arpinum Julius Caesar, politics, and the influences of Cicero the Roman republic and its downfall America as the new Rome much more! Cicero, Classicism, and Popular Culture is a startling, entertaining examination of the man who made Western culture what it is today. The book is insightful reading for educators, students, or anyone interested in one of the major forces in popular culture.

This book tells the story of the history of popular culture in Europe since 1800, providing a framework which challenges traditional associations that have formulated popular culture firmly in relation to the post-1945 period and the economic power of the USA. Focusing on key themes associated with modernity – secularisation, industrialisation, social cohesion and control, globalisation and technological change – this synthesis of research across a very wide field fills a gap that has long been felt by students and educators working in the field of popular culture. While it is organised as a history of cultural forms, it can also be used across a wide range of social science and humanities programmes, including media and cultural studies, literary studies, sociology and European studies. Covering the subject with a broad number of themes, this book discusses popular culture through visual culture and performance, games, music, film, television and video games. Popular Culture in Europe since 1800 will be of interest to anyone looking for an engaged but concise overview of how book production and reading practices, visual cultures, music, performance and sports and games developed across Europe in the modern period.

Ancient Egypt has always been a source of fascination to writers, artists and architects in the West. This book is the first study to address representations of Ancient Egypt in the modern imagination, breaking down conventional disciplinary boundaries between fields such as History, Classics, Art History, Fashion, Film, Archaeology, Egyptology, and Literature to further a nuanced understanding of ancient Egypt in cultures stretching from the eighteenth century to the present day, emphasising how some of the various meanings of ancient Egypt to modern people have traversed time and media. Divided into three themes, the chapters scrutinise different aspects of the use of ancient Egypt in a variety of media, looking in particular at the ways in which Egyptology as a discipline has influenced representations of Egypt, ancient Egypt's associations with death and mysticism, as well as connections between ancient Egypt and gendered power. The diversity of this study aims to emphasise both the multiplicity and the patterning of popular responses to ancient Egypt, as well as the longevity of this phenomenon and its relevance today.

Who was the man that would become Caesar's lieutenant, Brutus' rival, Cleopatra's lover, and Octavian's enemy? When his stepfather is executed for his involvement in the Catilinarian conspiracy, Mark Antony and his family are disgraced. His adolescence is marked by scandal and mischief, his love affairs are fleeting, and yet, his ambition is vast. Antony's path to prosperity leads him to an education in Athens, a campaign for a seat in the Senate, and a position of military command. Undeterred by his baptism of fire on the battlefields of Judaea and Egypt, he climbs the ranks to become the right hand man of Rome’s most famous general, Julius Caesar. The first of an epic new four book series, Caesar’s Soldier brings to life the world of one of history’s greatest warriors and romantics, as he becomes an integral part of the Roman Republic in its moment of glory and crisis. Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell. Praise for Caesar's Soldier: 'A bold and exciting recreation of the Roman world' Harry Sidebottom, author of the Warrior of Rome series 'A compelling and admirably detailed opening act to what promises to be a truly epic saga.' Ian Ross, author of the Twilight of Empire series 'Roman fiction has a new master in Alex Gough.' S. J. A. Turney, author of the Marius' Mules series 'Caesar’s Soldier puts flesh on the historical bones of Marcus Antonius... The first in a series, Caesar’s Soldier leaves us eagerly awaiting the next volume' Amanda Cockrell, author of The Borderlands Books 'A tour de force from a master of Roman fiction' Gordon Doherty, author of the Rise of Emperors series 'A fascinating account of a complex and compelling man' Ruth Downie, author of the Medicus Series 'Another thrilling Roman read from Alex Gough, sparkling with life' Alison Morton, author of the Roma Nova Thrillers

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt with our "Pharaohs of Egypt: 4 in 1" book bundle. Featuring four captivating books on the lives of Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Cleopatra, and Khufu, this bundle is a must-read for anyone interested in the ancient world. In "History of Tutankhamun," you'll discover the fascinating story of the boy king who ruled Egypt during the New Kingdom period. From his unexpected rise to power to the mystery surrounding his untimely death and the discovery of his tomb, this book provides a detailed look at one of the most iconic figures of ancient Egypt. "History of Ramses II" takes you on a journey through the life and accomplishments of one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. Learn about his military campaigns, grand building projects, and his role as a diplomatic leader during his reign. In "History of Cleopatra," you'll uncover the captivating story of the last pharaoh of Egypt. Known for her intelligence, beauty, and relationships with powerful men such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, Cleopatra's legacy has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Finally, in "History of Khufu," you'll explore the remarkable architectural achievements of the pharaoh responsible for building the Great Pyramid of Giza. Learn about the design, construction, and cultural significance of this incredible feat of engineering. Each book in this bundle is packed with rich detail, stunning visuals, and fascinating insights into the lives of these iconic pharaohs. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of ancient civilizations, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, the "Pharaohs of Egypt: 4 in 1" book bundle is an essential addition to your library. Order your copy today and join us on a journey through time as we explore the history and culture of ancient Egypt through the lives of Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Cleopatra, and Khufu - the pharaohs of Egypt.

Discos, clubs and raves have been focal points for the development of new and distinctive musical and cultural practices over the past four decades. This volume presents the rich array of scholarship that has sprung up in response. Cutting-edge perspectives from a broad range of academic disciplines reveal the complex questions provoked by this musical tradition. Issues considered include aesthetics; agency; 'the body' in dance, movement, and space; composition; identity (including gender, sexuality, race, and other constructs); musical design; place; pleasure; policing and moral panics; production techniques such as sampling; spirituality and religion; sub-cultural affiliations and distinctions; and technology. The essays are contributed by an international group of scholars and cover a geographically and culturally diverse array of musical scenes.

Antony and Cleopatra, sex, war, and politics: Rome, Season Two is explored in this exciting collection of original essays.Set in the turbulent years after Caesars assassination in 44 BC, Season Two of the HBO-BBC series Rome lays bare a city shaken by the violent power struggle between Octavian, Caesars adopted son and heir, and Mark Antony, his most trusted general, bound in the seductive spell of Cleopatra. Rome, Season Two: Trial and Triumph is the first academic volume to explore the second season of this critically acclaimed and commercially successful drama. It brings together seventeen pioneering and provocative essays written by an international cast of leading classical scholars and media critics. Focusing on the series historical framework, visual and narrative style, thematic overtones, and interaction with contemporary popular culture, this collection also engages with the authenticity of the production and considers its place in the tradition of epic films and television series set in ancient Rome. This volume is both scholarly and entertaining and will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars in Classics and Ancient History as well as Film and Media Studies.a Monica S. Cyrino is Professor of Classics at the University of New Mexico, USA.