Gestures and Acclamations in Ancient Rome [Paperback]

The atmosphere of dramatic oration and the emotions of the speaker and his audience are inevitably difficult to recreate. In this first in-depth study of oratorial gestures and crowd acclamations, Aldrete explores the many verbal and non-verbal gestures, tricks and strategies that speakers used to rouse an audience. Hand and body gestures are discussed in detail, with illustrations, and are then put into a broader social context.The atmosphere of dramatic oration and the emotions of the speaker and his audience are inevitably difficult to recreate. In this first in-depth study of oratorial gestures and crowd acclamations, Aldrete explores the many verbal and non-verbal gestures, tricks and strategies that speakers used to rouse an audience.