The Modern Cultural Myth of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

This book explores how the decline and fall of Rome has been interpreted in British and American culture from the late 19th century to the early 21st, revealing it as a complex cultural myth.

"The Modern Cultural Myth of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" delves into how the narrative of Rome's decline has been interpreted and represented in British and American culture from the late nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century. The author, Jonathan Theodore, examines the various ways in which writers, filmmakers, and the media have conceptualized this historical phenomenon, drawing parallels between the fall of Rome and contemporary societal issues.

Theodore posits that the decline of Rome is not merely a historical event but rather a 'myth' in the sense defined by Claude Lévi-Strauss. This perspective suggests that the narrative surrounding Rome's fall serves as a complex social and ideological construct that reflects the anxieties and fears of European and American thinkers regarding their own civilizations. By analyzing these cultural representations, the book highlights how the myth of Rome's decline encapsulates the instability and challenges faced by modern societies.

Ultimately, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding the decline and fall of Rome as a spatiotemporal concept rather than a straightforward historical fact. It presents this narrative as one that carries a unique moral purpose, allowing readers to grasp the underlying themes of cultural reflection and societal critique. Through this exploration, Theodore invites readers to reconsider the implications of the Roman myth and its relevance to contemporary civilization.