A Study On Strabo

This dissertation starts with a theoretical analysis of cultural identity of the Roman writer Strabo, discusses the complex identity and emotion embodied in his work Geography, so as to reveal how the Roman rule affects the elites in eastern provinces, as well as the impact to the ethnic relations in the Mediterranean in the Augustan Age.In Chapter One, Using the anthropological research methods, the author tries to present Strabo’s complex identities with emic and etic perspective. The content in which Strabo describes his family background and hometown, provides a clue to investigate how he view his own identity; Based on modern scholars’theories, the author reconsiders the history of Strabo’s birthplace, as well as his education and personal experiences, explaining a wide range of possibilities for Strabo’s identity.In Chapter Two, the author’s discussion is focused on the special emotion to Greek culture that Strabo manifested in Geography. The author interprets why Strabo employs double standard for Homer and other geographers, so as to reveal his defense for Homer’s authority. Strabo’s narrative is on the basis of Homeric epics and other ancient literature, so the author tires to prove that his strong interests toward ancient names are derived from his culture memories of Greek culture. The author also explains the way that Strabo understands ""Eλληυεζ", together with his maintenance of Greek Paideia in the title of Homer, revealing his sense of attribution to Greek culture.In Chapter Three, the author discusses Strabo’s political identity as a Roman citizen exhibited in Geography. Through a comparative analysis of the description of Augustus both in Geography and in Res Gestae Divi Augusti, the author shows how Strabo’s narrative corresponds to the Augustan Propaganda. By investigating the purpose for Strabo to compose Geography, the author analyzes Strabo’s view of Rome as the center of the world. Finally, in his assessment of the Roman conquest wars against the other world, Strabo confirms Rome’s role of spreading civilization, and approve its political and military achievements accordingly.In Chapter Four, the author surveys Strabo’s complex identities from a regional and historical perspective. After the Mithridatic wars between Pontus Kingdom and Rome, Pompeii rearranged the Pontus-Bithynia province, and then Augustus took his measure in this east province. The author illustrates how the historical changes and the different rulers impact on the local residents, including the provincial elite Strabo. Since the late Roman Republic, Greek scholars began their friendship with the Roman rulers, and Augustus uses this reciprocal relationship continuingly. By examining Augustus’ strategy to control the Hellenistic world through Greek culture and the intellectual elites, the author reconsiders its relevant effect towards Strabo and other provincial intellects.