The Representation of Athens and Sparta in Charles Rollin’s Ancient History of the Egyptians, Carthaginians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Macedonians and Grecians

Abstract

This dissertation is an investigation into how the French historian and pedagogue, Charles Rollin, represents the classical city-states of Athens and Sparta as sources of exemplary moral lessons in his 'Ancient History of the Egyptians, Carthaginians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Macedonians and Grecians'. The 'Ancient History' is visibly marked by concerns for a host of issues that had contemporary significance for Rollin. Perhaps most notable among these is the idea of luxury as a morally corrupting force. I will argue that Rollin takes a selective approach to his representation of Athens and Sparta in order to offer a set of moral examples - communicated through certain individuals and political institutions - which act as foils for the moral depravity he perceived around him. Athens and Sparta thus emerge as useful reference points for the moral issues of the day and, at a time when the study of Greek history was traditionally neglected, acquire a new, topical familiarity.

Date of Award	28 Nov 2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Bristol
Supervisor	Rowan C Tomlinson (Supervisor) & Esther Eidinow (Supervisor)