Publication date:
14 March 2019Length of book:
240 pagesPublisher
Manchester University PressDimensions:
216x138mmISBN-13: 9781784995324
TV antiquity explores representations of ancient Greece and Rome throughout television history. The first comprehensive overview of the ‘swords and sandals’ genre on the small screen, it argues that these shows offer a distinct perspective on the ancient world. The book traces the historic development of fictional representations of antiquity from the staged black-and-white shows of the 1950s and 1960s to the most recent digital spectacles. One of its key insights is that the structure of serial television is at times better suited to exploring the complex mythic and historic plots of antiquity. Featuring a range of case studies, from popular serials like I, Claudius (1976) and Rome (2005–8) to lesser known works like The Caesars (1968) and The Eagle of the Ninth (1976), the book illustrates how broader cultural, political and economic issues have over time influenced the representation of antiquity on television.
'TV Antiquity sits at the confluence between Media Studies and Classical Reception Studies and makes an important contribution to both fields… Thanks to Magerstadt’s rich and stimulating book, the essential groundwork is prepared for future cross-disciplinary investigations.'
Critical Studies in Television