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For this #CYO3, I listened to an engaging lecture by Dylan Rogers. Rogers revisits the siege of Athens by the Roman Empire in the year 86 BCE, and calls for further research into nuances of the siege that may have been exaggerated over the last 2 thousand years. [1]
![#CLST6For this #CYO3, I listened to an engaging lecture by Dylan Rogers. Rogers revisits the siege of Athens by the Roman Empire in the year 86 BCE, and calls for further research into nuances of the siege that may have been exaggerated over the last 2 thousand years. [1]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmMs5AGU4AAcNi7.jpg "#CLST6For this #CYO3, I listened to an engaging lecture by Dylan Rogers. Rogers revisits the siege of Athens by the Roman Empire in the year 86 BCE, and calls for further research into nuances of the siege that may have been exaggerated over the last 2 thousand years. [1]")
For this #CYO3, I listened to an engaging lecture by Dylan Rogers. Rogers revisits the siege of Athens by the Roman Empire in the year 86 BCE, and calls for further research into nuances of the siege that may have been exaggerated over the last 2 thousand years. [1]
Rogers questions the general consensus that Sulla was a dramatically violent and cruel general, and also questions whether the impact of the Roman siege was as devastating on the Athenians as a great deal of scholarship presumes. [2]
Rogers begins with the geo-political context of the Aegean world. Mithridates, a king in Asia Minor intent on expanding his territory, challenged Roman dominance. As he turns his attention to the Greek world, Athens develops a relationship through the philosopher Aristion. [3]
![Rogers begins with the geo-political context of the Aegean world. Mithridates, a king in Asia Minor intent on expanding his territory, challenged Roman dominance. As he turns his attention to the Greek world, Athens develops a relationship through the philosopher Aristion. [3]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM08IvVcAI9M54.jpg "Rogers begins with the geo-political context of the Aegean world. Mithridates, a king in Asia Minor intent on expanding his territory, challenged Roman dominance. As he turns his attention to the Greek world, Athens develops a relationship through the philosopher Aristion. [3]")
The Romans dispatched Sulla, a former Consul, with five battalions to combat this influence and maintain Roman control. The typical narrative deduces that Sulla, a cruel leader, laid waste to Athens, killing countless civilians and setting back Athen’s development. [4]
![The Romans dispatched Sulla, a former Consul, with five battalions to combat this influence and maintain Roman control. The typical narrative deduces that Sulla, a cruel leader, laid waste to Athens, killing countless civilians and setting back Athen’s development. [4]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM1BwjU8AAwYev.jpg "The Romans dispatched Sulla, a former Consul, with five battalions to combat this influence and maintain Roman control. The typical narrative deduces that Sulla, a cruel leader, laid waste to Athens, killing countless civilians and setting back Athen’s development. [4]")
However, Rogers believes that these prevailing narratives, which have entrenched themselves as history has progressed, need to be re examined. Rogers looks at both textual and archaeological evidence. First, he considers the textual, historical accounts of Sulla’s cruelty.[5]
Rogers argues that the textual evidence may be skewed because Athenian authors in the second century promoted the cultural prestige of Athens, and denigrate any that challenge it. Essentially, it could have been that Sulla performed the objectives any Roman general would.[6]
![Rogers argues that the textual evidence may be skewed because Athenian authors in the second century promoted the cultural prestige of Athens, and denigrate any that challenge it. Essentially, it could have been that Sulla performed the objectives any Roman general would.[6]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM1Z9EVoAAemnR.jpg "Rogers argues that the textual evidence may be skewed because Athenian authors in the second century promoted the cultural prestige of Athens, and denigrate any that challenge it. Essentially, it could have been that Sulla performed the objectives any Roman general would.[6]")
Plutarch, a biographist, fails to mention that the siege of Athens had important strategic implications for the Empire in their efforts to combat Mithridates in Asia Minor. This aligns with the growing expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan into even Parthia in the East.[7]
![Plutarch, a biographist, fails to mention that the siege of Athens had important strategic implications for the Empire in their efforts to combat Mithridates in Asia Minor. This aligns with the growing expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan into even Parthia in the East.[7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM1-PQU8AEtrKp.png "Plutarch, a biographist, fails to mention that the siege of Athens had important strategic implications for the Empire in their efforts to combat Mithridates in Asia Minor. This aligns with the growing expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan into even Parthia in the East.[7]")
![Plutarch, a biographist, fails to mention that the siege of Athens had important strategic implications for the Empire in their efforts to combat Mithridates in Asia Minor. This aligns with the growing expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan into even Parthia in the East.[7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM2DVDVcAYKlEG.jpg "Plutarch, a biographist, fails to mention that the siege of Athens had important strategic implications for the Empire in their efforts to combat Mithridates in Asia Minor. This aligns with the growing expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan into even Parthia in the East.[7]")
I introduce Trajan specifically because the Column of Trajan provides insight into the propagandic nature of Roman warfare, and their need to express their military might (see my last thread).[8] Perhaps Sulla’s siege of Rome reflected Roman military goals rather than cruelty.
![I introduce Trajan specifically because the Column of Trajan provides insight into the propagandic nature of Roman warfare, and their need to express their military might (see my last thread).[8] Perhaps Sulla’s siege of Rome reflected Roman military goals rather than cruelty.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM2S1qU4AAE9mW.jpg "I introduce Trajan specifically because the Column of Trajan provides insight into the propagandic nature of Roman warfare, and their need to express their military might (see my last thread).[8] Perhaps Sulla’s siege of Rome reflected Roman military goals rather than cruelty.")
![I introduce Trajan specifically because the Column of Trajan provides insight into the propagandic nature of Roman warfare, and their need to express their military might (see my last thread).[8] Perhaps Sulla’s siege of Rome reflected Roman military goals rather than cruelty.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM2uMAVkAYUKx8.png "I introduce Trajan specifically because the Column of Trajan provides insight into the propagandic nature of Roman warfare, and their need to express their military might (see my last thread).[8] Perhaps Sulla’s siege of Rome reflected Roman military goals rather than cruelty.")
![I introduce Trajan specifically because the Column of Trajan provides insight into the propagandic nature of Roman warfare, and their need to express their military might (see my last thread).[8] Perhaps Sulla’s siege of Rome reflected Roman military goals rather than cruelty.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM2yZvVMAANtR7.jpg "I introduce Trajan specifically because the Column of Trajan provides insight into the propagandic nature of Roman warfare, and their need to express their military might (see my last thread).[8] Perhaps Sulla’s siege of Rome reflected Roman military goals rather than cruelty.")
Trajan’s portraits were often dominated by the motif of victory. His busts similarly emphasize Trajan as a successful military leader. Generally, we must consider the emphasis that Romans placed on military success and war when trying to understand the incentives Sulla had. [9]
![Trajan’s portraits were often dominated by the motif of victory. His busts similarly emphasize Trajan as a successful military leader. Generally, we must consider the emphasis that Romans placed on military success and war when trying to understand the incentives Sulla had. [9]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM2avJU4AEjlTi.jpg "Trajan’s portraits were often dominated by the motif of victory. His busts similarly emphasize Trajan as a successful military leader. Generally, we must consider the emphasis that Romans placed on military success and war when trying to understand the incentives Sulla had. [9]")
![Trajan’s portraits were often dominated by the motif of victory. His busts similarly emphasize Trajan as a successful military leader. Generally, we must consider the emphasis that Romans placed on military success and war when trying to understand the incentives Sulla had. [9]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM2oiTVgAAqncm.jpg "Trajan’s portraits were often dominated by the motif of victory. His busts similarly emphasize Trajan as a successful military leader. Generally, we must consider the emphasis that Romans placed on military success and war when trying to understand the incentives Sulla had. [9]")
But, these Athenian accounts portray Sulla as an emotional, angry leader, who hastily sacked Athens because of slander from Aristion. Perhaps this kind of bias permeated throughout modern scholarship, especially considering we have no record of Sulla’s own memoirs.[10]
Rogers also questions the archaeological evidence. He considers past scholarship on destruction of various buildings in the Agora. Rogers finds that the typical narrative (some buildings burned randomly, some destroyed strategically, and some spared) may not hold.[11]
![Rogers also questions the archaeological evidence. He considers past scholarship on destruction of various buildings in the Agora. Rogers finds that the typical narrative (some buildings burned randomly, some destroyed strategically, and some spared) may not hold.[11]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM3LnOVgAAeIlp.jpg "Rogers also questions the archaeological evidence. He considers past scholarship on destruction of various buildings in the Agora. Rogers finds that the typical narrative (some buildings burned randomly, some destroyed strategically, and some spared) may not hold.[11]")
In part, Rogers contends that the evidence is “narrow and problematic”. In part, it is impossible to tell if Sulla perpetrated this destruction, as little actual dating evidence exists. Personally, it seems as though scholars have relied on outdated analysis. [12]
![In part, Rogers contends that the evidence is “narrow and problematic”. In part, it is impossible to tell if Sulla perpetrated this destruction, as little actual dating evidence exists. Personally, it seems as though scholars have relied on outdated analysis. [12]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM3R9lUYAAuzRK.jpg "In part, Rogers contends that the evidence is “narrow and problematic”. In part, it is impossible to tell if Sulla perpetrated this destruction, as little actual dating evidence exists. Personally, it seems as though scholars have relied on outdated analysis. [12]")
I think Professor Dibble would agree that the specific evidence of destruction would benefit from 3D modeling and GIS data collection. This in depth analysis can reveal finer details, as 3D analysis of sculptures might help determine specific sculpture techniques[13]
![I think Professor Dibble would agree that the specific evidence of destruction would benefit from 3D modeling and GIS data collection. This in depth analysis can reveal finer details, as 3D analysis of sculptures might help determine specific sculpture techniques[13]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM3hUnVoAIZqcV.jpg "I think Professor Dibble would agree that the specific evidence of destruction would benefit from 3D modeling and GIS data collection. This in depth analysis can reveal finer details, as 3D analysis of sculptures might help determine specific sculpture techniques[13]")
Similarly, as Professor Dibble showed in his lecture, GIS provides a far more comprehensive and detailed look at future sites. Clearly, we may be able to gain a more fundamental understanding than this more basic chart allows. [14]
![Similarly, as Professor Dibble showed in his lecture, GIS provides a far more comprehensive and detailed look at future sites. Clearly, we may be able to gain a more fundamental understanding than this more basic chart allows. [14]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM3mG4VoAAvM8X.jpg "Similarly, as Professor Dibble showed in his lecture, GIS provides a far more comprehensive and detailed look at future sites. Clearly, we may be able to gain a more fundamental understanding than this more basic chart allows. [14]")
![Similarly, as Professor Dibble showed in his lecture, GIS provides a far more comprehensive and detailed look at future sites. Clearly, we may be able to gain a more fundamental understanding than this more basic chart allows. [14]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM3tGGVgAErkAf.jpg "Similarly, as Professor Dibble showed in his lecture, GIS provides a far more comprehensive and detailed look at future sites. Clearly, we may be able to gain a more fundamental understanding than this more basic chart allows. [14]")
Hence, Rogers shows that our assumptions of the siege stem from outdated texts and archaeology. Next, Rogers jumps into the general conclusion that Athens took an unusual amount of time to recover from the Siege, and that the Siege destroyed much of their population.[15]
Rogers points out that recovery from catastrophic events takes time. He references evidence from Pompeii that they had not yet even fully rebuilt from an earthquake. The Athenians may also have simply been more strategic choosing to focus on their walls rather than the Agora.[16]
![Rogers points out that recovery from catastrophic events takes time. He references evidence from Pompeii that they had not yet even fully rebuilt from an earthquake. The Athenians may also have simply been more strategic choosing to focus on their walls rather than the Agora.[16]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM4EuCU4AEEAmN.jpg "Rogers points out that recovery from catastrophic events takes time. He references evidence from Pompeii that they had not yet even fully rebuilt from an earthquake. The Athenians may also have simply been more strategic choosing to focus on their walls rather than the Agora.[16]")
There is also evidence that Athens was already declining. Archaeologists typically view dramatic shifts in pottery style as evidence of death, of both people and the pottery industry. However, Rogers contends this may reflect Athens adapting to Roman geo-political control. [17]
![There is also evidence that Athens was already declining. Archaeologists typically view dramatic shifts in pottery style as evidence of death, of both people and the pottery industry. However, Rogers contends this may reflect Athens adapting to Roman geo-political control. [17]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM4p7rU0AAc3DF.jpg "There is also evidence that Athens was already declining. Archaeologists typically view dramatic shifts in pottery style as evidence of death, of both people and the pottery industry. However, Rogers contends this may reflect Athens adapting to Roman geo-political control. [17]")
![There is also evidence that Athens was already declining. Archaeologists typically view dramatic shifts in pottery style as evidence of death, of both people and the pottery industry. However, Rogers contends this may reflect Athens adapting to Roman geo-political control. [17]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM4tU5UcAEHiL5.jpg "There is also evidence that Athens was already declining. Archaeologists typically view dramatic shifts in pottery style as evidence of death, of both people and the pottery industry. However, Rogers contends this may reflect Athens adapting to Roman geo-political control. [17]")
This analysis is consistent with the doctrine of Pax Augusta. In fact, Rome left Athens with a set of laws and rules after its withdrawal[18]. Pax Augusta extended the prosperity of Rome throughout the Empire accompanied with its own laws and regulations, like in Athens[19].
![This analysis is consistent with the doctrine of Pax Augusta. In fact, Rome left Athens with a set of laws and rules after its withdrawal[18]. Pax Augusta extended the prosperity of Rome throughout the Empire accompanied with its own laws and regulations, like in Athens[19].](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EmM0viBUYAEcKB_.jpg "This analysis is consistent with the doctrine of Pax Augusta. In fact, Rome left Athens with a set of laws and rules after its withdrawal[18]. Pax Augusta extended the prosperity of Rome throughout the Empire accompanied with its own laws and regulations, like in Athens[19].")
The murky story of Sulla and the Athenian Siege invites archaeologists to consider how we can force archaeological evidence to confirm written narratives that may not be entirely accurate. I also think it highlights the importance of questioning what we may deem as credible.
As we discussed in class, history is told from the perspective of the winner. Although Athens did not “win”, it still retained considerable influence in the region[20]. This lecture encourages us to consider how groups like Athens may influence the historical narrative.
1. Rodgers, Dylan. Athens and Sulla: Revisiting the Extent of the ‘Siege’ of 86 BCE”. The American School of Classical Studies at Athens. https://vimeo.com/344295538
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8. https://twitter.com/JackKCLST6/status/1324447980343230464
http://www.trajans-column.org/?page_id=5
9. Kleiner, Fred. 2020. A History of Roman Art.
10. Rodgers, Dylan. Athens and Sulla: Revisiting the Extent of the ‘Siege’ of 86 BCE”. The American School of Classical Studies at Athens. https://vimeo.com/344295538
http://www.trajans-column.org/?page_id=5
9. Kleiner, Fred. 2020. A History of Roman Art.
10. Rodgers, Dylan. Athens and Sulla: Revisiting the Extent of the ‘Siege’ of 86 BCE”. The American School of Classical Studies at Athens. https://vimeo.com/344295538
11. Rodgers, Dylan. Athens and Sulla: Revisiting the Extent of the ‘Siege’ of 86 BCE”. The American School of Classical Studies at Athens. https://vimeo.com/344295538
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13. Dibble, Flint. 2020. Archaeological Visualization, 3D, Mapping, and GIS.
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13. Dibble, Flint. 2020. Archaeological Visualization, 3D, Mapping, and GIS.
14. Rodgers, Dylan. Athens and Sulla: Revisiting the Extent of the ‘Siege’ of 86 BCE”. The American School of Classical Studies at Athens. https://vimeo.com/344295538
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19. Kleiner, Fred. 2018. A History of Roman Art
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19. Kleiner, Fred. 2018. A History of Roman Art
20. Dibble, Flint. 2020. Class Lecture on November 4.
Image References:
https://vimeo.com/344295538
http://www.trajans-column.org/?flagallery=setting-topography-trajans-column-rome#PhotoSwipe1604730584319
Image References:
https://vimeo.com/344295538
http://www.trajans-column.org/?flagallery=setting-topography-trajans-column-rome#PhotoSwipe1604730584319
