»The invention of tradition« was introduced as a concept to explain the creation and rise of certain traditions in times of profound cultural change. Taking stock of the concepts of current theoretical understandings and focusing on the Roman world the volume explores invented traditions as a means to understand processes of cultural innovation.
Whereas the concept is highly influential in Roman Studies concerned with the Greek eastern Mediterranean, the western part of the Roman Empire has virtually been ignored. The aim is to critically evaluate the usefulness of »The invention of tradition« for studies particularly regarding the western part of the Roman Empire and in relation to other traditions besides the Greek. Can »The invention of tradition« be seen as a common human characteristic occurring throughout history?