Between global and local: glocal refractions in Roman material culture and society

This book explores the application of glocalization theory in the context of Roman archaeology. Chapters range across social and economic connectivity, architecture and construction, trade, iconography, art and agricultural production and apply glocalization in different ways. Such a diverse range of topics and approaches provokes further consideration of glocalization as an analytical tool that can generate new perspectives in Roman archaeology and history.

Glocalization has become increasingly influential in archaeology in recent years. The Roman world is particularly well-suited to develop this concept. Global phenomena did not simply generate local responses, but instigated adaptations and modifications of these forces to fit local customs, contexts or beliefs. The ability of glocalization as a concept to move fluidly between scales enables discussion of highly localized (micro-scale) developments in funerary architecture, interior décor or agricultural production, through to transregional (macro-scale) responses in the design of forums or economic infrastructure. This book asks, for example, whether local customs and materials shaped the adoption and adaptation of imperial innovations, and if highly interconnected regions responded to changing global networks intentionally. By using glocalization as an analytical tool we can acknowledge multiple agencies and multi-scalar interactions to visualize global-local relationships and the development of bespoke local forms across the different territories of the Roman world.