eprintid: 34197
rev_number: 27
eprint_status: archive
userid: 7807
dir: disk0/00/03/41/97
datestamp: 2023-12-21 14:04:01
lastmod: 2024-01-22 12:12:14
status_changed: 2023-12-21 14:04:01
type: doctoralThesis
metadata_visibility: show
creators_name: De Bernardin, Michela
title: "Imago Herculis". Ercole a Roma: il dio dell’Ara Maxima e la sua esemplarità in rapporto agli uomini di potere, dall'età arcaica al III secolo.
title_en: "Imitatio Herculis". Hercules in Rome: the god of the Ara Maxima and his function as a role model for rulers, from Archaic times to the 3rd century. C.E.
title_de: "Imitatio Herculis". Herkules in Rom: der Gott der Ara Maxima und seine Funktion als Herrschervorbild, von archaischer Zeit bis zum 3.Jh. n.Chr.
subjects: ddc-200
subjects: ddc-730
subjects: ddc-930
divisions: i-71750
adv_faculty: af-07
keywords: Hercules; Roman Emperors; Imitatio; Role model; Mythology; Ara Maxima; Power
cterms_swd: Römische Geschichte
cterms_swd: Römische Archäologie
cterms_swd: Numismatik
cterms_swd: Epigrafik
cterms_swd: Mythologie
cterms_swd: Herkules
cterms_swd: Herrscher
cterms_swd: Vorbild
cterms_swd: Kult
abstract: This study delves into the phenomenon of ‘imitatio Herculis' in ancient Rome, tracing its historical evolution from the Archaic Age to the era of Diocletian. 
Employing a comprehensive approach, the research draws upon literary, epigraphic, iconographic, numismatic, and artistic sources to elucidate conscious allusions to the Herculean paradigm among influential personalities and emperors.
The work comprises four main chapters, each addressing a distinct temporal phase.
The initial chapter explores the cult of Hercules in Rome, analysing the related sacred topography and the god's integration into Roman mythology. This section unveils significant places of worship and the transformation of the Greek hero into the Roman god of the Ara Maxima.
The second chapter examines the earliest archaeological evidence of Hercules in Rome, specifically the terracotta group of Hercules and Minerva from the Sant'Omobono sanctuary. These artefacts, integrated into the decorative systems of public buildings, conveyed messages of power and luxury to the point of raising assumptions about the Roman kings' desire to imitate the god.
Moving into the Republican period, the third chapter investigates the manipulative use of Hercules’ image in the self-portrayal of Roman generals and politicians, like Pompey, Mark Antony, and Caesar.
The extensive final chapter explores the imperial period, demonstrating the increasing importance of Hercules in Roman political ideology. Emperors, starting with Trajan, engaged in genuine 'imitatio Herculis', with Commodus even adopting the title of 'Hercules Romanus'. Hercules became a symbol for emperors seeking universal legitimacy, exemplified by the Severan dynasty's association with the god as a patron deity.
In conclusion, this dissertation argues that Hercules, as a 'self-made god', consistently stood out as a paramount role model for Roman rulers across centuries. Through meticulous analysis of diverse sources, the study substantiates the enduring allure of Hercules in shaping the identities of influential figures in Roman history.
date: 2023
id_scheme: DOI
id_number: 10.11588/heidok.00034197
ppn_swb: 1877235059
own_urn: urn:nbn:de:bsz:16-heidok-341977
date_accepted: 2017-11-17
advisor: HASH(0x55f36913ddf8)
language: ita
bibsort: DEBERNARDIIMAGOHERCU202312
full_text_status: public
place_of_pub: Heidelberg
citation:   De Bernardin, Michela  (2023) "Imago Herculis". Ercole a Roma: il dio dell’Ara Maxima e la sua esemplarità in rapporto agli uomini di potere, dall'età arcaica al III secolo.  [Dissertation]     
document_url: https://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/volltextserver/34197/1/De%20Bernardin_Dissertation.2017_Imitatio%20Herculis_PDF_A.pdf