Roman Itineraries: A Cultural Approach.

The aim of this dissertation is to examine some selected examples of modified Roman itineraria using some of the ideas of transculturalism as a potential analytical framework to better understand them. In particular, to highlight the theme of ‘cultural production as meaningmaking’ seen in some of these navigational aids. Looking at particular examples of Roman itineraria, it is possible to see that additional meaning has been added. But trying to understand where and how these innovations originated is challenging. A cultural study of Roman itineraria, across the broad expanse of time and space that constituted the Roman Empire, makes it far more difficult to identify any specific zones of interaction or who was influencing whom. And yet it does seem safe to conclude that some of these instances of modified or repurposed itineraries are the result of one or more syncretic processes. Joseph Maran’s more fluid approach to transculturalism, thinking about culture and not cultures, may be a more suitable way to understand them. In response to change and new influences the concept of the itinerary morphed into new forms, while still retaining some or all of its original intent to inform the traveller, or at least retain its recognisability as a travel aid. In some of the examples cited, the widespread familiarity with the basic itinerary form was a key to its successful adaptation.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Conyers, Timothy

• D051 Hanes yr Henfyd

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3348