This study uses the concept of "the gaze" to examine literary, visual and material evidence that reveals the contribution of Ancient Rome to the development of Western culture. Contributors draw upon a wide range of theoretical methods, using visual and body theory from various fields and period specializations. Topics include violence and gender in Senecan theatre, literary representations of erotic love within a hierarchical and violent Rome, and the differing appeal of artistic depictions designed for visual consumption by both genders. Boldly interdisciplinary, the work should interest readers in history, classics, literature, art and cinema. The contributors include: Carlin Barton, Cindy Benton, John R. Clarke, Anthony Corbeill, Katherine Owe Eldred, David Fredrick, Pamela Gordon, Zahra Newby and Alison Sharrock.