This book is the first comprehensive study of the mausolea of the later Roman emperors. Constructed between ca. AD 244 and 450 and bridging the transition from paganism to Christianity within the empire, these important buildings shared a common design, that of domed rotunda. Mark Johnson examines the symbolism and function of the mausolea, demonstrating for the first time that these monuments served as temples and shrines to the divinized emperors. Through an examination of literary sources and the archaeological record, he identifies which buildings were built as imperial tombs. Each building is examined to determine its place in the development of the type as well as for its unique features within the group. Recognizing the strong relationship between the mausolea built for pagan and Christian emperors, Johnson also analyzes their important differences.
- This is the first comprehensive study of this group of buildings in any language and features detailed description and analysis of each
- The volume is well illustrated with numerous drawings and photographs, including 16 color plates
- Contains an appendix outlining the evidence for identifying the burial place of each of the later Roman emperors
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