The Two Eyes of the Earth: Art and Ritual of Kingship between Rome and Sasanian Iran (Transformation of the Classical Heritage) [Hardcover]

Matthew P. Canepa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0520257278 | ISBN-13: 978-0520257276 | Edition: 1

This pioneering study examines a pivotal period in the history of Europe and the Near East. Spanning the ancient and medieval worlds, it investigates the shared ideal of sacred kingship that emerged in the late Roman and Persian empires. This shared ideal, while often generating conflict during the four centuries of the empires' coexistence (224-642), also drove exchange, especially the means and methods Roman and Persian sovereigns used to project their notions of universal rule: elaborate systems of ritual and their cultures' visual, architectural, and urban environments. Matthew Canepa explores the artistic, ritual, and ideological interactions between Rome and the Iranian world under the Sasanian dynasty, the last great Persian dynasty before Islam. He analyzes how these two hostile systems of sacred universal sovereignty not only coexisted, but fostered cross-cultural exchange and communication despite their undying rivalry. Bridging the traditional divide between classical and Iranian history, this book brings to life the dazzling courts of two global powers that deeply affected the cultures of medieval Europe, Byzantium, Islam, South Asia, and China.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This very good book is a welcome contribution . . . and is worthy of the prestigious series in which it appears."--Bryn Mawr Classical Review (Bmcr)

From the Inside Flap

"This book is a true tour de force in the scholarship of the late ancient world. Canepa has bridged the traditional divide between Classical and Iranian studies to illuminate the long-running artistic dialogue between the late Roman and Sasanian Empires. Every chapter offers exciting new insights into the development of late antique art and rituals of power."--Joel Walker, author of The Legend of Mar Qardagh: Narrative and Christian Heroism in Late Antique Iraq

"The Two Eyes of the Earth is a masterly synthesis of a theme of the utmost importance for the political culture of the late antique world."--Peter Brown, author of Power and Persuasion

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 456 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (February 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520257278
• ISBN-13: 978-0520257276
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,059,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting!, October 23, 2010

By 

Rowland - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Two Eyes of the Earth: Art and Ritual of Kingship between Rome and Sasanian Iran (Transformation of the Classical Heritage) (Hardcover)

This book taught me a lot about these cultures. It's obviously written for an academic audience so don't expect an easy read (you also have to get used to all the linguistic signs used in the font). But you can read it a bit at a time and search through the index for lots of interesting anecdotes. Recommended if you are a serious history buff.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Author's scholarship is better than his English, August 29, 2010

By 

algasema - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Two Eyes of the Earth: Art and Ritual of Kingship between Rome and Sasanian Iran (Transformation of the Classical Heritage) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent, well-researched book on a fascinating, important and little known subject. If it had been written in comprehensible English, it would be even better.