![]() Augustus, a Hellenistic monarch masquerading as a Roman magistrate, understood this better than anyone. Roman politicos began realizing that art could service them in the same capacity it had serviced Hellenistic elites: as a measure of self-promotion. ![]() ![]() Actors, for instance, were often considered little better than prostitutes, a sign of decadence of effeminate Greek culture.Ĭonquest of the Hellenistic realms changed attitudes slowly and to a degree. Then of course for both sorts there was virtus the courage and physical excellence (manliness) displayed in a battlefield against the enemies of Rome. The proper role of an upper class male was service to the community in a legal and political capacity those on lower rungs could content themselves with agriculture or commerce. ![]() Sometimes it seems remarkable Rome produced anything resembling high art. ![]()
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