Clifford Ando: Architect of Roman Legal Thought
An academic exploration of his seminal contributions to the study of Roman law, religion, and governance during the Imperial era.
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About Clifford Ando
Identity
Clifford Ando, born in 1969, is a distinguished American classicist. His academic pursuits are deeply rooted in the study of ancient civilizations, with a particular focus on the Roman world.
Academic Home
He holds the prestigious Robert O. Anderson Distinguished Service Professorship at the University of Chicago, contributing significantly to the Departments of Classics, History, and the College. He also served as Chair of the Classics Department from 2017 to 2024.
Global Scholar
Beyond his primary affiliation, Ando is a research fellow in the Department of Classics and World Languages at the University of South Africa, underscoring his international academic engagement and collaborative spirit.
Areas of Expertise
Roman Law and Governance
Ando's scholarship primarily examines law, religion, and government within the Roman Empire, particularly during its Imperial era. His work delves into critical aspects such as Roman citizenship, the complexities of legal pluralism, and the intricacies of legal procedure.
Legal Frameworks
Within the broader history of law, his research critically addresses the interrelationships among civil law, public law, and international law as they manifested in the Roman context, offering profound insights into the evolution of legal thought.
Ancient Roman Religion
A significant facet of his academic specialization includes the study of religion in ancient Rome, exploring its intersection with law, society, and imperial ideology.
Academic Trajectory
Foundational Education
Ando earned his bachelor's degree from Princeton University in 1990, laying the groundwork for his advanced studies. He subsequently obtained his doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1996, specializing in classical studies.
International Engagement
His academic career has been marked by extensive international collaboration. He has held distinguished fellowship and visiting professorships in Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and South Africa, enriching his global perspective.
Recognition and Support
Ando is the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants, and prizes, reflecting the high regard for his scholarly contributions within the academic community.
Research Focus
Imperial Law and Loyalty
His seminal work, Imperial Ideology and Provincial Loyalty in the Roman Empire (2000), explored the intricate relationship between the ruling ideology and the adherence of provincial populations, earning critical acclaim and the 2003 Goodwin Award.
Language and Empire
Roman Social Imaginaries: Language and thought in contexts of empire (2015) investigates how language and conceptual frameworks shaped the social and political realities of the Roman Empire, offering a nuanced understanding of Roman thought processes.
Legal and Religious Interplay
Ando's research frequently examines the dynamic interplay between religious beliefs and legal structures in Rome, as seen in works like Religion and Law in Classical and Christian Rome (co-edited, 2006) and The Matter of the Gods (2008).
Major Scholarly Works
Key Publications
Clifford Ando has authored and edited several influential books that have shaped the field of Roman studies:
- Imperial Ideology and Provincial Loyalty in the Roman Empire (2000)
- Roman Religion (Editor, 2003)
- Religion and Law in Classical and Christian Rome (Co-editor, 2006)
- The Matter of the Gods (2008)
- Law, Language and Empire in the Roman Tradition (2011)
- Le Droit et l'Empire. Invention juridique et rรฉalitรฉs politiques ร Rome (2012)
- Imperial Rome: The Critical Century (A.D. 193โ284) (2012)
- Religion et gouvernement dans l'Empire romain (2012)
- Roman Social Imaginaries. Language and thought in contexts of empire (2015)
He has also contributed numerous articles, essays, and reviews to academic journals and collections.
Academic Stance
Institutional Critique
In 2008, Professor Ando was among faculty members who voiced concerns regarding the establishment of the Milton Friedman Institute at the University of Chicago. This stance reflected a broader debate about the university's academic direction.
University Values
More recently, Ando has been a vocal critic of the University of Chicago's fiscal management. He has argued that administrative decisions have potentially compromised the institution's historic values, the quality of teaching, and its commitment to the humanities.
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References
References
- The Law School at the University of Chicago, Clifford Ando.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.
This is not professional academic or legal advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified academics, legal professionals, or historians. Always consult with experts for specific inquiries related to classical studies, Roman law, or historical research.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.