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   Class 10
Spectacles of Salvation

Class Slides Class 10 Slides (x1) Class 10 Slides (x3) The following videos introduce the genre of apocalyptic literature and the Book of Revelation. They begin by exploring the origins of apocalyptic thinking in the social crises provoked by the Hellenistic empire around 200 BCE, and continuing under the Roman empire. They discuss the ways that Rome performed its power, particularly in the spectacles they would mount in arenas, theatres and amphitheatres throughout the empire. They then explore the spectacles envisioned by the seer of Revelation as a mimicry of and antidote to the current persecutions of Rome, and an assertion of the ultimate triumph of God.

The three numbered videos are the most important material, corresponding to the slides. While you don't have to watch them, they may help you prepare for class or fill in gaps after. Below the numbered videos, you will find some additional videos and links, including the manuscript evidence for the Book of Revelation and a supplementary video about the Flavian amphitheatre, or Colosseum, in Rome.

Use the links to the right to access pdf files of the slides shown in the videos. Two formats are available: 1 slide per page and three slides per page. Both versions have slides for all three numbered videos, as well as the video on manuscript evidence for Revelation.

The videos below are thumbnails; to enlarge the view, click the play button and select at the bottom of the frame either "YouTube" (to watch the video on YouTube, which in some cases will be clearer) or the full-screen icon (YouTube full screen).


1 The Origins of Apocalyptic Thinking

This video sketches the outline of the Book of Revelation, and situates it in the longer history of apocalyptic literature and the social crises that spawned it. The features of apocalyptic literature are discussed.
13.21
 
2 Roman Imperialism & the Performance of Political Power

This video revisits the political context of the first century CE Roman Empire, exploring Roman imperial theology and how it was deployed to emasculate Rome's enemies. It introduces the particular role that spectacles in theatres and amphitheatres played in performing Rome's power, and the way local elites hosted these public benefactions to demonstrate their loyalty to Rome and reinforce their social capital.
16.53
 
3 The Spectacles of Revelation
This video explores how the author of Revelation, sensitive to emasculation by Rome, uses gendered imagery and inversions of imperial spectacle to envision the eventual overthrow of Rome.
8.12


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Optional Videos & Links

 
  • Manuscript Evidence for Revelation - This video presents the manuscript evidence for the Book of Revelation and discusses how the book circulated in antiquity.
4.00
 
 
  • The Flavian Amphitheatre - A video from the Khan Academy that has great contemporary images of the Colosseum, and puts it in its historical context as well.
9.58
 
 
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