Abstract
The article analyzes the attitude of the rulers of the Bosporan Kingdom towards Rome, as reflected in political propaganda, which is an important source for understanding relations between peripheral states and the empire. The aim of the study is to reconstruct the image of power created by Bosporan rulers and its adaptation to changing political conditions. The author uses epigraphic and numismatic sources, analyzing inscriptions and coin iconography. The results indicate that in the initial period propaganda emphasized independence and autonomy of rulers, while in later periods it increasingly reflected loyalty to Rome. The analysis reveals the coexistence of two levels of messaging: an external one directed towards Rome, emphasizing loyalty, and an internal one referring to local traditions. Changes in titulature and iconography of coins illustrate political transformations and attempts to legitimize power. The author also points to periods of tension, in which propaganda underwent modification depending on the current political situation. The conclusion is that propaganda constituted a flexible tool of power, allowing rulers to adapt their image to both imperial expectations and local needs.
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© by Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of History, Poznań, 1995
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