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Background image: A coin depicting the consul Sejanus, whose name has been counter-marked. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

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What is Damnatio Memoriae?

Damnatio memoriae, literally translated as “damnation of memory”, was practiced by earlier civilizations than even the Romans. For...

The Damnatio of Roman Citizens

Above: A porphyry statue of a togatus, originally housed in the Curia Julia, a senate house in the Roman Forum. Wikimedia. Not much is...

The Damnationes of Imperial Men

Members of the Imperial family were often the target of damnatio memoriae. Above: An inscription to Julia Domna, the mother of Geta, from...

The Damnationes of Imperial Women

Above: An image of Agrippina Minor, the wife of Claudius, and a recipient of damnatio memoriae. Wikimedia Commons. In general, the...

Damnatio Memoriae and Architecture

The architecture of Rome was also subject to the consequences damnatio memoriae. Above: The ruins of the Villa Jovis located in Capri,...

Issues of Damnatio Memoriae

Naturally, the attempted erasure of an individual bears consequences for those who attempt to study the period and its artifacts. Above:...

Damnatio Memoriae in Its Wider Context

Above: Artist's depiction of ancient Rome. Wikimedia Commons. The process of damnatio memoriae serves as a unique lens through which we...

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