«Allontanarsi dall'antico» : novità e cambiamento nell'antica Roma

«Leaving the ancient». Innovation and change in ancient Rome
Mistrust of innovation and refusal to change are attitudes generally ascribed to ancient civilizations and in particular to ancient Rome. Although this widespread representation is confirmed by literary and historical sources, a deeper analysis of the philosophical thought and language related to the topic of novelty, as well as the evidence of some significant episodes, reveals instead a variety of attitudes. The conflict between the new and the ancient discloses diverse representations, which range from definite refusal to broadmindness. In any case, the degree of assimilation of innovation appears related in the first place to the possibility of linking it to tradition and of showing continuity with the ancient.