Jeeps and Hummers in Antiquity? Crossover Vehicles and Conspicuous Consumption

AbleMedia Salutes Elizabeth Tylawsky

Jeeps and Hummers in Antiquity?
Crossover Vehicles and Conspicuous Consumption

by Elizabeth Tylawsky, Norwich Free Academy, CT
Original text © 2005 Elizabeth Tylawsky

Compared with Mark Antony’s lions, mime actress and custom chariot, the huge diamonds and flashy cars of today’s high-rollers seem dull. Ostentatiously displaying his wealth in the most garish way possible, Antony owned public opinion, showcasing his flamboyant image to make Cleopatra and the Eastern Roman Empire fall in love with him. If he were alive today, Antony would undoubtedly be heavily-exposed on MTV and Entertainment Tonight, craftily manipulating his public image.

Tylawsky demonstrates through Cicero’s letters, Horace’s poetry and historical evidence how much conspicuous consumption appeared as a public-relations tool in the 1st century CE through her emphasis on transportation. Her well-researched, straightforward article, complete with artwork, enjoys demonstrating the showiness of the age and provides students with an often-overlooked and immensely entertaining glimpse into the lives of the Romans.