Acknowledgements
This book began as a PhD dissertation many years ago in Toronto and has been brought into its final form in central Texas. I must express my gratitude to many people whose support and guidance along the way has been invaluable.
I owe my gratitude to two professors who contributed to my early education in Classics and Ancient History, Anthony Corbeill and Ronald Ferris. The Department of Classics at the University of Toronto was very supportive of my research during my graduate studies. I am particularly appreciative of the Norwood Traveling Fellowship, which allowed me to work in the library of the British School at Rome at a crucial period early in my research. I also benefitted from the kindness and support of many friends and colleagues in the Department, not least Andreas Bendlin, Seth Bernard, Ben Akrigg, Boris Chrubasik, Alex Cushing, Susan Dunning, John Fabiano, David Wallace-Hare, and Drew Davis. I would also like to extend special thanks to Jonathan Edmondson and Rebecca Benefiel.
I am indebted most of all to Christer Bruun, my dissertation advisor, who guided the original project from the seeds of an idea in a graduate seminar to submission as a dissertation and has continued to lend his vast expertise and insight throughout the process of producing the book. I also want to thank him for providing a model of hard work and professionalism as a scholar and a teacher.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my friends and colleagues in the small but vibrant Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Southwestern University. My thanks to Erika Berroth, Francis Mathieu, Carl Robertson, and Aaron Prevots for their kindness and encouragement.
I must also thank the Studies in Greek and Roman Epigraphy editorial team at Brill, especially Giulia Moriconi and Mirjam Elbers for their patience and guidance, and John Bodel for his stimulating comments on earlier drafts. My thanks also to the anonymous referee whose comments and suggestions greatly improved the manuscript.
Vorrei anche ringraziare i miei suoceri, Anna e Stefano, e la mia famiglia italiana per avermi introdotto alla cultura italiana, e in particolare a quella romana.
It is impossible for me to express my gratitude to my wife Cristiana (and Hugo and Luca!). She is a selfless and constant source of support.
I also want to thank my parents, Steve and Mamie. They first inspired my love of history and have encouraged me to pursue my passion ever since. I dedicate this book to them.