The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful, long-lasting empires this world has ever seen. Julius and Augustus Caesar both heavily contributed to Rome’s accumulation of power. Julius Caesar went on numerous conquests, winning over territory. Once he became the leader of Rome, he helped improve all aspects of Rome, including the citizens' lives. Shortly following his assassination, Augustus Caesar took over, implementing more laws and reforms, eventually transforming the republic into the Roman Empire.
The stone sculpture, titled Garland Sarcophagus made by a Roman artist, this piece is created in the year AD 200-225. The Garland Sarcophagus stone sculpture is a coffin for inhumation burials of upper class, the physical condition of the sculpture is cleaned and restored. This sculpture is made in Rome, and belonged to the Roman Empire movement. The Garland Sarcophagus is not typical work, due to inhumation burials being an uncommon Roman practice during the second century A.D., until around the second and third centuries. The style of this art piece is classical Greek art, the Romans were influenced by Greek culture and literature, such as mythology.
Even though the ivory relief has a religious overtone, both are clearly done in the Old and New Rome classical esthetic. “Cast in glittering bronze, like the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius set up nearly 500 years earlier, it attests to the continuity between the art Old and New Rome, where pompous imperial images were commonly displayed at the apex of free standing columns” (Kleiner 258). Both art pieces are a classic example of power, prestige and clemency during their time of
The Roman Empire, at its height (c. 117 CE), was the most extensive political and social structure of western civilization. Under Trajan, the empire reached its greatest territorial expanse and his admiration for Greek culture spurred new building programs and classicizing works of art throughout the empire. The marble representation of Trajan at the San Antonio Museum of Art known as (The Lansdowne Trajan, 98-117 A.D.) establishes Trajan as a skilled military commander, an affluent ruler and a god that’s why the torso of this sculpture belonged to a statue of a youthful god and later consolidated with Trajan's head. In The Lansdowne Trajan, the unknown artist utilized fine marble, contrapposto pose, shape and line to capture the dynamism of
Marcus Aurelius, better known as Marcus Aurelius Antonius Augustus. He was born in April 26, 121 a.d. His occupation was known to have Scholar, Emperor, and even Military Leader. Marcus was born in Rome, Italy, but unfortunately, he died on March 17, 180 a.d. Marcus Aurelius kept the empire safe from the Parthians and Germans, from 161-180 a.d.
In Rome, personal virtues contributed towards each individual’s dedication towards their empire. They directly gave the Roman republic the moral strength and ideology to conquer the world. In some ways, the Romans assimilated their beliefs from the Greeks, which they had conquered. In fact they had created such a lasting impression with successful ideology, that George Washington wore a toga, to demonstrate how the old Roman values still had an affect on what was then modern day America. Nearly all of George Washington's actions while leading America took into account the history of Rome.
So you 're just wandering through the twisty mediaeval streets of the centro storico (historical center), and as if the cobblestones and ivy weren 't enough, you turn the corner, and out of nowhere is this massive temple. That 's Rome for you. The best preserved ancient structure in the city, the Pantheon as you see it now was built under Hadrian between AD 120-128 circa, although the pediment above the portico is actually 100 years older and signed by Agrippa (which did in fact confuse archaeologists and historians for years). The round
The monument is composed of two distinct sections, the pedestal and the statue itself. The statue sits on a pedestal that has two gray marble columns on the eastern and western sides. On the top of the pedestal, Lee is sitting tall and proud on his horse,
It is the sculpture of a handsome and young ruler, namely, Augustus, sporting an ornamented cuirass and a tunic, with the figure of Cupid riding a dolphin on his side. The face reflects a youthful emperor, even though Augustus was about forty years of age when the statue was built. The Prima Porta style of facial composition comprises of, an expansive skull and slim chin, sharp-ridged eyebrows, hooked nose and a plump mouth and his hair is crowned with what is termed the Primaporta hairstyle. The breastplate is adorned with characters and is a composite of the narration of the Augustan and Tiberian propaganda, while he is barefoot. His right hand is
Bust of Marcus Aurelius 161-180 AD made of marble. Capitoline Brutus, 300 BCE made of bronze. The theme shared is Imperial theme Heroism. Both art works honor important Roman people, from different social backgrounds, who were honored for their bravery. Bust of Marcus Aurelius gives off a graceful appearance while the eyes show vigor.
Role of Spectacle in Roman Culture Spectacles governed the way of life in the Roman culture in many ways. The use of spectacles in the Roman culture was widespread, especially during the performance of blood sports, such as the gladiatorial battles. The spectacle was an essential element in the amphitheatre games, which featured wild animal hunts in the morning, executions at noon, and the gladiatorial games in the evening. In this paper, I will examine the role of spectacles in the Roman culture, where the theme of violence and death will be featured. Predominantly, spectacles were used for entertainment reasons, to punish miscreants, serving as an example to the citizens, promoting interaction between the people of Rome and the rulers, and providing food for the ancient society.
Outside of the Colosseum is a standing statue of Nero that has been remodeled to be the Roman Sun God, Solis. This remodeling was done to create a more popular public opinion. Rome was a very large city of over a million people and after Nero’s unfavorable
He was given the name Augustus by the Roman senate and he used many outlets of propaganda during his reign. These outlets ranged from minor details found on construction projects, such as the symbol of fasces on the theater of Marcellus, to large monuments and works of art depicting Augustus’ various strengths a leader. One such work is a well-known Augustan monument called the Ara Pacis, or the altar of Augustan peace. The altar was dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of Peace, and was commissioned by the senate to honor Augustus’ return to Rome after three years abroad. The “Lupercal Panel” depicting the moment when Romulus and Remus are discovered by the Shepherd is considered to be a reminder of Augustus’ deified heritage.
Last semester, I examined Roman archeology and art in a class at Grinnell. While I will likely not be taking a similar art history class abroad due to the large overlap, the class does provide an excellent base of knowledge and a platform for community engagement. As a student living in Rome, I will be sure to use my time effectively to travel to the numerous sites I have studied. The opportunity to experience these monuments on-site and up-close is incredible. What are the similarities between the apotheosis on the Arch of Titus and on the Monument of Antonius Pius?
Sometimes while writing a historical fiction, events become more factual than fictional. A perfect example of this happening in a historical fiction, is the book Pompeii by Robert Harris. Pompeii takes place in 79 AD during the days prior to the destructive eruption of Mount Vesuvius which destroyed all of the Roman town Pompeii. The location of the book are the cities or towns that surround the Aqua Augusta, such as Misenum and Pompeii. Harris’s exceptionally descriptive anecdote of the events leading to the volcanic eruptions implores readers to wonder if some of the events in this fictional story could have actually happened.
