Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Bart9349, post: 2017755, member: 5682&quot;]and </p><p><br /></p><p>There is no doubt that intellectual vigor (Galen, for example) and great artistic works were produced (see the coin above) despite the crisis and instability of the late second and third century.</p><p><br /></p><p>Michael Grant (the great historian and numismatist) in his book &quot;The Climax of Rome&quot; would agree with your view. He felt the period from the accession of Marcus Aurelius in AD 161 to the death of Constantine in 337 was a period of &quot;an artistic, literary, spiritual and political brilliance with unparalleled lavishness.&quot;</p><p><br /></p><p>I feel that any government, no matter how dysfunctional or authoritarian, can sponsor an isolated brilliant venture (engraving a rare coin or even the Soviet ballet).</p><p><br /></p><p>I think the exception, however, proves the rule. Great cultural achievements and artistic movements require a stable and supportive infrastructure.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>guy[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in