18 Sep Great Idea: Tyranny and Despotism
How does Roman art (including sculpture, monumental architecture and literature) serve as propaganda for the power of the emperor? There are many words to describe tyrannical rulers—they are despots, dictators, autocrats-what they all have in common, despite linguistic subtleties of political science, is that they rule by fear. To go against a tyrant is to risk torture and death, loss of property, the harm of loved ones, and the ruin of your reputation by slander. Although there are a few throughout history who have tried to justify the “benevolent dictator” or the “just tyrant,” often appealing to efficiency, order and a...