Heron of Alexandria’s ‘Toy Theatre’ Automaton
Reality, Allusion and Illusion
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20066447 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Richard Beacham (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2013 |
| Pages | 15-39 |
| Publication date | 2013-01-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | CHAPTER |
| Venue | Theatre, Performance and Analogue Technology (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan UK (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1057/9781137319678_2 |
| OpenAlex | W2399058792 |
| ISBN | 9781137319678 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 9 |
The Emperor Nero (37 bc – ad 68) was notoriously known, as 'imperator scaenicus',1 a patron and practitioner of theatre so excessive in his espousal that his personality and reign came to be seen (then and later) as theatricalism 'run rampant'; wrought up to encompass painting, architecture, public ceremony, political rhetoric, and all manner of both public and private expression. Of course, with a performing Emperor, such a cult of theatricalism was endorsed at the highest level, and emulation (and condemnation) followed. Seneca lamented how 'Throughout the whole City the private stage (privatum pulpitum) resounds; 'it is danced upon by both men and women; wives and husbands compete over which displays a more sensuous thigh' (Nat. Quaes. 7.32.3). Dio, recounting elite behaviour during the reign of Nero, notes dramatic performances, music, pantomimes, and choral presentations, enacted by people of both sexes and all ages, 'everyone displaying to best advantage whatever talent they possessed, with all the most distinguished people ... and everyone taking instruction for the purpose' (61.19.2). Taking his show on the road, the Emperor undertook a grand tour to Greece, performing (and winning 1808 victories) in the cycle of sacred agons: great competitive festivals comprising (in addition to athletic contests) theatre, poetry, and music
Ancient history · Art · Cult · Elite · Emperor · Political science · Politics · Reign · Rhetoric · Sculpture · Theology · Visual arts · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical and Literary Studies · History · Law · Philosophy
| Citations per year | 0.33 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2014 - 2024 (11) |
| Highly cited | No |