Washington and Lee University
Tuesday, April 3rd at 7 PM in Stackhouse Theatre, Elrod Commons, Dr. Richard J. A. Talbert (UNC Chapel Hill) will deliver the annual Hoyt Lecture in the Classics on "The Magnificent Peutinger Map: Roman Cartography at its Most Creative."
Romans - more than any other ancient people - came to realize that maps are not mere factual records, but also value-laden documents. Then, as now, maps could even be designed to promote and reinforce values, from peace and civilization to unashamed pride in conquest and entitlement to world-rule. Scholars recently have developed more sensitive and satisfying approaches to interpreting the cartographic products of pre-modern societies: this lecture deepens insight into the particular case of the Romans. Richard Talbert reconsiders the thinking behind the immense Marble Plan of the city of Rome. Above all, he exposes powerful meaning and purpose in the so-called ‘Peutinger Map', an elongated, astonishingly rich, Roman world-map. He constructs a compelling fresh context for this underrated masterpiece (which is 22 ft. long!). In addition, he identifies its creation as a pivotal moment in Western cartography, an inspirational awakening with a long-term cultural impact that would influence Christian mapmaking through to the Renaissance. All are welcome.