Decolonizing Roman Imperialism: The Study of Rome, Romanization, and the Postcolonial Lens

The framework of 'Romanization' developed by Haverfield in 1905 - that Romans 'civilized' their imperial subjects, particularly those in the 'barbarian' western provinces - remains hegemonic, notwithstanding multiple attempts at revisionism. It has been reasserted, rejected, or modified, but still frames the debate. Decolonizing Roman Imperialism investigates how the postcolonial challenge to decolonize the production of historical knowledge has motivated Roman scholars to question the paradigm of Romanization: to review its historiography, to seek fresh approaches, and to rewrite it. The book provides an intellectual genealogy of the debate valuable for every student of the Roman Empire and of Roman Britain, and invites them to rethink the legacy of ancient Roman imperialism.

About the Author

DANIELLE HYEONAH LAMBERT is a Research Associate in the Department of Classic at, Royal Holloway, University of London. Having lived in Seoul, New York, and London, she became conscious of different intellectual traditions across colonial centres and peripheries. Channelling her experience into critical perspective, she has been exploring varying narratives of colonial imperialisms and in-between histories of Roman imperialism.