03-27-2011, 03:27 AM
After the Romans conquered Egypt, the Egyptians quickly replied in kind and began to conquer Rome culturally to some extent. The growing Rome craze for all things Egyptian already led Augustus to transport the first obelisks from the Nile to the Tiber, and the impressive Cestius Pyramid dates to that period, too. Later, Roman emperors such as Domitian commissioned new obelisks, so that Rome can boast today of five Roman obelisks.
Now I wonder did this craze for Egypt did in any way also reach the provinces? At least from the architectural perspective, the erection of obelisks and the building of pyramids was not followed up outside Rome, wasn't it? I am tempted to say that the no-nonsense provincial folk was pretty much unimpressed by the décadence of the capital.
Now I wonder did this craze for Egypt did in any way also reach the provinces? At least from the architectural perspective, the erection of obelisks and the building of pyramids was not followed up outside Rome, wasn't it? I am tempted to say that the no-nonsense provincial folk was pretty much unimpressed by the décadence of the capital.
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)