This paper comparatively examines the Res Gestae of Augustus(r.27 BC–AD 14)and the stelae inscriptions of Qin Shi Huangdi(r.221–210 BC),the first emperors of Rome and China respectively.It shows how the two emperors...This paper comparatively examines the Res Gestae of Augustus(r.27 BC–AD 14)and the stelae inscriptions of Qin Shi Huangdi(r.221–210 BC),the first emperors of Rome and China respectively.It shows how the two emperors justified and consolidated their regimes by unifying the two antithetical themes of war and peace in their propagandistic self-portrayals.It argues that both emperors,due to the socio-political pressure of their milieus,depicted themselves predominantly as guardians of a peace that was constantly under threat by impious and immoral outside forces,against which only the emperors themselves could be victorious and sustain this new peace.展开更多
文摘This paper comparatively examines the Res Gestae of Augustus(r.27 BC–AD 14)and the stelae inscriptions of Qin Shi Huangdi(r.221–210 BC),the first emperors of Rome and China respectively.It shows how the two emperors justified and consolidated their regimes by unifying the two antithetical themes of war and peace in their propagandistic self-portrayals.It argues that both emperors,due to the socio-political pressure of their milieus,depicted themselves predominantly as guardians of a peace that was constantly under threat by impious and immoral outside forces,against which only the emperors themselves could be victorious and sustain this new peace.
