What Did The Symbol Of The Globe Mean In Roman Propaganda?

[Guest historybuff27bc]

Just a quick question I need to know...I would suspect it meant ultimate power or authority -- gods holding up globe or emperors sitting over the globe, etc. I'd like confirmation though, thanks.

[Horatius]

"Roma caput mundi regit orbis frena rotundi" - Rome capital of the world, holds the reins of the round orb. This was inscribed on Diocletions crown supposedly.From what I gather the orb represented the universe. Compare this http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/html_En/03/hm3_1_3c.html The Roman Victory astride the orb symbolizes Romes dominion of the world. This later Emperor holding a globus cruciger symbolizes Christs dominion and his stewerdship. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sb/sb1632.html. I love symbols and how they have evolved and are still with us,it is just amazing how many ancient symbols are still part of our everyday lives.

[Pantagathus]

And that afterwards peoples thought degraded to the point of thinking the world was flat is astounding...

[Guest historybuff27bc]

Thanks Horatius, I remember seeing some similar images (emperors seemed to have liked putting their children atop images of the globe particularly), so that makes sense.

[caldrail]

Was there any greek connection? I'm thinking of Atlas holding up the world.