The Art of Forgetting: Disgrace and Oblivion in Roman Political Culture

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Studies in the History of Greece and Rome R o b i n O s b o r n e , P. J . R h o d e s , a n d R i c h a r d J . A . Ta l b e r t, editors The University of North Carolina Press Chapel Hill H a r r i e t I . F l o w e r Disgrace & Oblivion in Roman Political Culture T H E A R T O F © 2006 The University of North Carolina Press All rights reserved Designed and typeset in Minion Pro and Mantinia by Eric M. Brooks Manufactured in the United States of America The paper in this book meets the guidelines for permanence and durability of the Committee on Production Guidelines for Book Longevity of the Council on Library Resources. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Flower, Harriet I. The art of forgetting: disgrace and oblivion in Roman political culture / by Harriet I. Flower. p. cm.—(Studies in the history of Greece and Rome) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-8078-3063-5 (cloth: alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-8078-3063-1 (cloth: alk. paper) 1. Rome—History. 2. Memory—Political aspects— Rome—History. 3. Memory—Social aspects—Rome— History. 4. Punishment—Rome—History. I. Title. II. Series. dg211.f56 2006 937—dc22 2006017447 10 09 08 07 06 5 4 3 2 1 For Michael This page intentionally left blank Once a thing is known it can never be unknown. It can only be forgotten. And, in a way that bends time, so long as it is remembered, it will indicate the future. It is wiser, in every circumstance, to forget, to cultivate the art of forgetting. To remember is to face the enemy. The truth lies in remembering. A n i ta B r o o k n e r Look at Me One can forgive but one should never forget. M a r j a n e S at r a p i Persepolis This page intentionally left blank ...