Publication details
Idylka na prahu chaosu? Umění theodosiovské dynastie, pád říše a brána do nebe
| Title in English | An idyll on the brink of chaos? The Art of the Theodosian Dynasty, the Fall of the Empire and the Gateway to Heaven |
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| Year of publication | 2021 |
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| Description | At the beginning of the fifth century, a family clan, the Theodosians, ruled the vast Roman Empire. Their power extends from east to west, their resources seemingly limitless. The works of art they commission are simply breathtaking. Just think of the Ravenna mosaics or the massive walls of Constantinople. In reality, however, their empire is shaken to its foundations: in 410, Rome is sacked after a thousand years. The ruling dynasty is so weak that the "barbarian" king Athaulf does not hesitate to marry the young princess Galla Placidia (388-450), who was taken hostage during the sack of Rome. Against all expectations, however, the Roman princess actually fell in love with her husband. When Athaulf dies a few years later, Galla finds it difficult to come to terms with his loss. In the midst of political and social chaos, the great woman then stands at the head of her family and becomes the first empress with executive power in the history of the empire. Time favours strong women, who play an absolutely crucial role in the Theodosian dynasty (and contemporary society). Traditionally, the period of the early fifth century is seen as the moment when the "magnificent" Roman culture collapsed. The reality, however, is much more complex. Yes, the West is irreversibly changing, but in the midst of a severe geopolitical crisis, it continues to live. The women, led by Galla Placidia, experience a unique moment of emancipation, and the art that emerges during this time is then an expression of endless hope for life beyond this world. |
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