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Trompe l’oeil – “trick of the eye” or “fool the eye,” a two-dimensional artwork designed to make the viewer believe it is in three dimensions Sarcophagi – Stone coffins used in Roman sculpture Fresco – A painting on wet plaster; the image becomes part of the wall rather than being painted on it Aqueduct - A pipe or channel designed to transport water from a remote source, usually by gravity Rome was once controlled by the Etruscans who conquered Italy Once the Etruscans were driven out of Rome, the Romans established a republic True power rested with the people and not a single branch of government Functioned much like a democracy Rome gained wealth and power through military conquest The republic failed due to civil war and Julius Caesar was elected dictator for life Caesar was assassinated shortly after taking office Caesar’s most lasting achievement was the Julian calendar This is the calendar we follow today Caesar’s nephew Octavian replaced him and Octavian was given the name Augustus The name means the fortunate and the blessed Under the reign of Augustus Rome advanced Roads, bridges, and aqueducts were built A common currency was established Police and firefighters were employed Some negative aspects to the Roman empire Religious persecution (particularly Christians) Outlying provinces were inclined to revolt Rome developed a legal system that was based on knowledge of the laws This allowed the legal system to be more generalized and fair Stoicism became popular in Rome Philosophy dealing with supreme intelligence Acceptance of fate and duty Kinship of all people through intellect Stoicism also gave birth to the concept of providing justice for everyone Stoicism’s emphasis on inquiry brought on difficult times under Emperor Nero who tried to eliminate free thinking An incorporation of the teachings of Plato with ideas related to Stoicism and Epicureanism Developed by Plotinus Neo-Platonism dealt with the nature of beauty and art Beauty reflects a unified universe where individual beauty reflects a universal harmony Art then forms a bridge between beauty and the natural world The Romans were polytheistic Roman gods were often the same as the Greek gods but with Roman names (i.e. Jupiter/Zeus) Romans observed strict rituals The constant repetition of rituals was the key to prosperity Romans amplified the notions of Classicism that were developed by the Greeks Roman art and architecture reflected the ideas of clarity, harmony, and intellect In some cases the Romans simply copied the Greeks Other times, the Romans would add a slight twist Rome sought a government that provided the greatest good for the greatest amount of people Utilitarianism relies on what has the most social value in a society Romans also discouraged existential ideas and speculation in favor of practical usage Pragmatism focuses on the usefulness of an idea or object Most of what survives of Roman painting lies in fresco The images are actually part of the wall, rather than decorations on them Frescos employed bright colors Roman frescos usually depict a panoramic landscape and utilize a trompe l’oeil “Trick of the eye” that creates the illusion of three dimensions Most of the surviving frescos come from the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum These frescos also demonstrate the technical virtuosity that was associated with Hellenistic Greece Frescos demonstrate a strong use of color Images are also depicted within a closed “frame” Portrait sculptures were used to honor family members, successful politicians, and military heroes A much more lifelike sculpture than any that have come before it The classical Greek notion of the idealized form grew in Roman sculpture This translated into sculptures of emperors with superhuman physical qualities This most likely comes as a result of an elevated level of status for the emperor. 128 feet tall column decorated with relief sculptures A spiral staircase inside the column leads to the highest spot where a statue of Trajan once stood The relief sculptures make their way up the column in a spiral pattern The sculpture relies on symbolism (wavy lines for water, jagged lines for mountains, etc.) to tell the many accomplishments of Trajan Romans decorated their sarcophagi with relief sculptures as well Depending on where the sarcophagus was built, the decorations would change Athens – decorated on all four sides with scenes from Greek mythology Asia Minor – figures carved around architectural details Rome – carved on three sides with one mythological scene and a blank side to sit against a wall Similar to the Greek classical style, the Romans relied on structures like the post-and-lintel system Romans used engaged columns Columns that were part of a wall as opposed to the freestanding Greek columns The most identifiable feature of Roman architecture is the arch The Colosseum is the most famous of all Roman structures Held gladiatorial matches and other sporting events Featured awnings to shade the audience and an elaborate space below the arena to house athletes, animals, and machines to raise and lower scenery Romans were also known for their triumphal arches Large archways with relief sculptures meant to honor military conquest This arch pays homage to Titus and his conquest of Jerusalem Roman aqueducts were also prominent structures These were used to transport water over long distances Romans loved to be entertained Their primary sources of entertainment came from comedies and blood sport Comedies typically contained slapstick humor and lewd acts on stage In keeping with Roman pragmatism, comedies served the vital purpose of keeping people’s minds off of their problems Blood sport consisted of the violent gladiatorial matches and animal fights Romans enjoyed music The hydraulos (water organ) was used to provide background music to the events at the Colosseum Music festivals, competitions, and virtuoso performances were held regularly Some emperors funded musicians and music teachers were well paid Some reports suggest that the hydraulos could be heard from over a mile away The Romans also invented the brass trumpet for military use Romans developed a style of dance known as pantomime (using gestures and body movements without words) Dancers would convey several kinds of emotions through their gestures and movements Would also involve costume changes and background music Pantomime was highly interpretive and usually involved tragic themes Some pantomimes were also very sexual in nature and bordered on the pornographic (I bet they danced like you guys do) Literature wasn’t very common throughout the Roman period. Poets wrote in Latin which was the language of the Greek slaves Any existing literature focuses on the glory of Rome and its emperors