Olivier Hekster

Olivier Hekster has pioneered research into the representation of Roman emperors and perceptions of their power in first three centuries of the Modern Era. His work has pointed the field in a new direction in terms of both content and methodology. Hekster treats statues, inscriptions, coins, reliefs and historical texts as mass media. His research shows how the Roman emperors worked through a long, complex and experimental process to create an image of themselves in which they conveyed a specific message to select target groups. Hekster’s methods and insights are not only relevant to Classical Antiquity but also to the study of other ancient civilisations and the modern world.