First published 2019
Roman mythology breathes with the pulse of an empire that transformed local legends into a complex cultural tapestry. From the sacred landscapes of Italy to the far-flung territories of Roman conquest, myths served as more than stories—they were living blueprints of power, ritual, and identity. Stuttard traces how gods and heroes became political instruments, theatrical performances, and social glue, revealing how mythological narratives shaped everything from religious ceremonies to public entertainment. Drawing on classical texts by Ovid, Virgil, and other master storytellers, the book unveils the intricate ways Romans understood themselves through mythological reflection. Each site becomes a window into how myths were not just told, but embodied and performed across the ancient world.
Genres: mythology, reference, non-fiction, cultural, ancient, ancient-history
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Italy, Roman Empire
Period: Ancient Rome
272 pages · Hardcover · Thames & Hudson