Download Through Rome we know Greece

Romans were logical, conservative and practical
They excelled law, politics, military strategy and especially-at city planning and public works [ efficient bureaucracy] Prided themselves on being
logical- thought of themselves - not individuals but citizens of Rome---worked for the good of
the empire.
Rome built a great highway system to unite the areas- give the army mobility-speed
-their language united a huge empire –to educate and spread their culture
Our upper case alphabet is what Rome used in 600 BC and our lower case by 300 BCE
They gave us these words:
Alumni, alma mater, alter ego, ignoramus, per capita, habeus corpus,
Vice versa, a.m. p.m., carpe diem, etc, etc,
And we could go on- ad infinitum
We know about them because they kept careful records –had a sense of themir importance in hisotyr
Highly literate- there were 29 libraries by 4C in Rome
The Romans conquered the Greeks during the late Hellenistic period-By 117AD the empire
stretched from the Persian Gulf [including Egypt] to the Scottish Highlands but they never
defeated the northern Scots or Ireland and were always at war with the Northern [barbarian]
tribes-now roughly Russia, Ukraine, and Germany-across the Rhine. These tribes will ultimately
overrun the empire, fight years of civil wars and become the people that create Europe as it is
now.
Once conquered, people became Romanized- learning Latin and adopting Roman laws and
customs but -not Greece-or areas that had been Hellenized ie Turkey. These areas will continue to speak/to
think of themselves as Greek
not Egypt- too set in its beliefs- it continued to follow its conventions with few exceptions.
Frequently Rome adopted the religion & gods of the places they conquered -gave them Roman
names Zeus became Jupiter, Aphrodite, Venus, and Apollo became Mars [NOT Christianity]
Through Rome we know Greece”
Greek [Classical] sculptures were popular as war prizes- stolen from the temples--taken home by the
boatload --when they didn’t have enough original sculptures they put the conquered Greek artists to
work making the many Roman copies that exist today.
Unlike in Greece-artists were anonymous- an unimportant crafts person. Patron’s names [usually the
ruling emperor] name may be known.
Romans were NOT artists but they liked art- they used it to decorate and they were collectors--In
early republican days Roman men could have only the profession of engineer, soldier, landowner
or politician--commerce was considered an inferior trade
And making art [or music] was viewed as unmanly.
Roman Sculpture [that which is ‘not’ Greek in origin]
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Roman sculpture- early – under the Republic – unique to their society ideas: Family and
remembrance was very important to the ruling families
First made death masks of wax-to be kept in a special cupboard in the homes [like our family
photo or albums]—great realism- verism- to the last whisker/mole as a memorial. These were
also carried in festival processions. Moved on to marble busts [head and shoulders only] that are
very accurate. The early republican portraits have a sense of dignity- gravitas. note these busts were
done throughout the history of Rome- how we know what the emperors looked like-
NOTE- for Romans the head was enough for a portrait -the Greeks believed you needed the whole person.
As time went on the demand for portraits created comical results-- they used the realistic head but on
a stock body that they could buy - a variety of poses available – you could then fit the head into a
socket. Sometime the body was young and the head elderly!
Most Roman busts were very realistic but some were enhanced- such as Caligula was so ashamed of
his baldness he forbid anyone to look at him from above and had his bust with a full head of hair
Julius Caesar- his portrait on coins- [reserved for gods]-later used by emperors
show his receding hair- aging face
after Caesar all emperors used the coins as propaganda—across the empire a reminder of
Rome’s power
Augustus Caesar
Romans used public statues as propaganda—like Egypt
They created idealized statues of their leaders- with beautiful youthful bodies.
The statue of Augustus in your text is unfinished on the back intended for a niche in a public building –
wise but young and strong body- ageless- idealized – looks like the Spearbearer/canon body-posed like god -his image changed- to suit his new power- seen as godlike. He lived to be 75 but his statue never showed
him aging- always vigorous and young
read about Octaviustook power after defeating the assassins of his uncle Julius Caesar. He claimed that Caesar had chosen him
as his heir. He became such a successful military commander he was proclaimed the first emperor- or
supreme ruler [augustus]-- and called Augustus Caesar. He was also a very able administrator- the other
skill the Romans admired – large number of public works including aquaducts and roads -many new
buildings - he boasted that when he took power Rome was brick but under his rule it became a city of
marble. Under Augustus the Pont du Gard and other aquaducts were built.
He established law and order, cut back on military expansion and there was peace [ roman law & order- pax
romana for 200 years]. He made himself the chief religious leader as well- pontifex maximus .As such he was
concerned with societal morality. He had his own daughter banished for immoral behaviour and brought in
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strict measures against adultery BUT, he kept tabs on his political enemies by ‘getting intimate with their
wives and daughters’. He was also concerned with the decline in the birth rate—he started a crackdown on
abortion and gave tax incentives to big families—to see if this was working he took a census in the year 6
AD:
-thus it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be
registered [gospel according to Luke—when Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be counted and
Jesus was born].
* Augustus was so admired and powerful that when he died he was declared a god by the Senate-[as will
many other emperors after him] This meant that there were altars built to the emperors- citizens were
expected to worship him* the main obstacle for Christians—they can not worship ANY other gods.
All emperors used art for political propaganda- like Egypt- but not Greece- why?
1. Idealised busts statues of leaders- Augustus
2. Equestrian portraits- on horseback-rep. power physical and military success3. Columns- narrative relief- shows victories
4. Triumphal arches—bill boards of victories- allowed a ‘triumph’ to hold ‘games’ and spectacles
Painting
“through Rome we know Greece”--we know about Greek painting because of the paintings found in
Pompeii--buried in 79AD – a time capsule of all that is Roman Pompeii and Herculaeum
We know a lot about Romans because they kept such careful records of everything- business- historical
events and military campaigns but also because we have an actual Roman town.
Pompeii was buried in ash by the eruption Mt Vesuvius and Herculaneum was covered in lava.
Pompeii was a small resort town by the sea- it had all the buildings that most Roman cities had--an
amphitheatre- a theatre- roads- baths -fountains and brothels
We can see how they lived
The Romans during the heyday of the empire achieved a standard of living that will disappear and
not be seen again for 1500 years
Roman private house
Rome’s empire was made up of cities and towns. Most people lived in apartments with rows of shops below
but the rich built gracious residences with one or more gardens-Some villas had swimming pools and running
water, even glass in the windows. These were for the wealthy and were more likely to be in the country side
or at the sea side.
One house that was built for the writer, Pliny’s the Younger was quite ‘unpretentious’. It had 25 rooms a
glassed in arcade and 2 dining rooms. He described it as ‘only enough for my needs and not expensive to
keep up’
These large elegant houses had rooms opening onto a central atrium, an unroofed space with a pool for
catching rainwater. Behind the atrium is a reception room for guests where portrait busts of the family
ancestors were on display. This area opened onto an interior garden courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded
walkway or portico. The private family rooms – bedrooms dining rooms and servants quarters were off this
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courtyard- this would have given a cool breeze in the hot summers. The best examples that survived are at
Pompeii and Herculaneum.
In Pompeii-you see Roman painting—how Greek painting must have looked
MURALS –wall painting [ like you saw in Catal Huyuk ]
*FRESCO -pigment in water is applied to wet plaster, soaks in and becomes part of the wall- this isvery strong but a difficult medium to control .It has to be applied to a small enough area to start the
painting and finish it before the plaster sets. Once it sets it is rock hard and won’t absorb the paint
and has to be chipped off-- as does any mistake you make.
The fresco technique was used to simulate architectural details columns, windows,
gardens with a view
--trompe l’ oeil- fool the eye
In Pompeii it can been seen that roman style went through various decorating phases
First very simple- trompel’oeil to look like colored marble panels
Second style- much more elaborate- ie Villa of the Mysteries
Third style – - more restrained- includes architectural elements and inset paintings. These get
more elaborate---landscape and still life- Fourth style
They know about modelling with light and dark- convincing sense of depth- foreshortening the figure
This is what the Greeks must have been doing in the Classical period and beyond
Mosaics- how were they used in Roman homes?-- floors
Note:
Faiyum portraits-after occupation by Rome, Egyptians adopted Roman realistic portraits for their
own use –wax and pigmen t[encaustic] on a wooden board where the mask had always been.
The Romans excelled as builders & organizers—admired the Egyptians-it is the buildings that is
their art form
---------------------------------For you to read and appreciate- a general feel for Imperial Rome------------------
:
1st reading
The Roman Empire was built by its engineers and military. Every where they went they created cities with a
wall, a triumphal arch and streets arranged in a grid around the forum or city/civic center which was closed
off to traffic- based on a military camp. As city dwellers they devoted their ingenuity and resources mainly to
secular buildings; baths that used water brought by aquaducts and fountains to relieve the water pressure
created by gallons of water rushing downhill from a source miles away, amphitheatres & race tracks--to keep
the masses entertained, and, since anything could be bought in Rome… a covered market with arcades and
vaulted ceilings over 150 shops that used barrel vaults and connected the levels with concrete stairs.
Concrete was mandatory after the great fire-the builder provided maximum space- well lit and aired –for a
variety of activities – within a limited area of land- organized- a practical use of space in a crowded city.
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-note- most of what is only brick now would have had a decorative covering of concrete or marble and even gold
2nd reading:
The grandeur of Imperial Rome
Sprawling across its seven hills it was built on such a scale it must have awed anyone who saw it for the first
time. At the center was the forum- A complex of great squares bounded by temples and miles of markets
and palaces of the emperors-In the forum was the huge golden milestone- that marked the center of the
empire—all distances were measured from this point Around the forum were the pubic buildings- their size
proclaiming the empires wealth and power.
South was the circus maximus- one of at least 5 –where chariot races took place- it could seat 250,000
people
East was the colosseum- where 50,000 people could watch bloody spectacles of ferocious extravagance- in
one day 5000 exotic animals died- tigers, bears, elephants, and rhino died in the arena—named after
harena, the sand that soaked up the blood that was spread after every event
Further out were the baths, 170 of them. The finest were built by Nero, Trajan and Caracalla.The largest had
room for 3000 people who for a tiny fee were offered a marble gymnasium for ball playing and wrestling,
gardens for walking libraries and the baths- a steam room, sauna, hot pools and cold ones- it was the great
equalizer- the masses could go in because it was very inexpensive. One might find oneself swimming with
the emperor!
These public pleasures provided a necessary relief for the Romans- a million people lived in the city. Most people
lived in 4-5 story apartments- tenements- called insulae- they were noisy and crowded. The bottom floor was
lined with shops and during the day you would be aware of the noise and crowds buying shouting their wares
and filling up the streets and sidewalks. At night the carts were allowed into the city and you would be kept
awake by the horses on the paved stone streets. The insulae were dirty-- water had to be carried up to the
upper levels. There was no plumbing- most had to use public toilets. Some of these had seats arranged in a
circle to aid conversation- they had no bathtubs- -- hence the need and the popularity of the public baths.
Since the insulae had no kitchens those Romans ate out. There were numerous food stalls for hot meals
and there were many taverns for snacks and beer and wine. Only a very few lived in private houses with
courtyards and cool gardens. These rich citizens had their own baths and toilets. Mainly the rich kept apart in
these houses but when possible they escaped the heat and noise to their villas in the country- places by the
sea such as Pompeii. They built great estates with vineyards and courtyards full of statues and richly tiled
fountains
Rome was rich- bringing wares from across the empire- necessities like grain from Egypt and treasures
brought back from Spain- silver and ivory from Africa- silk from China, and from every region of the known
world came slaves, the chief booty of war, stripped naked, chained and marked on their feet with chalk.
They had placards around their necks to identify their country of origin. They were sold at public auction.
They made up ¼ of the population and did almost all the work-- they were the farm workers- teachersartists- tutors of their children and even bureaucrats in the government since many would have been highly
educated. This meant that the Roman masses had no jobs and were chronically poor. To keep them quiet
the emperors gave them ‘bread and circuses’—in the form of free grain and 90 holidays a year where the
emperor or a wealthy citizen would increase his popularity by providing entertainments-- races- animal
slaughters and gladiatorial contests
The empire needed huge public buildings to accommodate the masses as the empire kept growing ,as more
territory was conquered.
Note:
The kind of buildings in Rome were duplicated in the provincial cities [like Pompeii] built where ever the army
went- baths- theatres, race tracks- just on a slightly smaller scale. You can see the remains in Spain, France
England and Portugal, even in Algeria
The Empire was connected by excellent roman roads that were built so well by the army that some still exist
[ the Appian Way]. These roads allowed the army to march up to 30 miles a day and people knew if they
revolted they had a very short time before the troops arrived.
Note:
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there was one slave revolt-under the slave gladiator Spartacus [ gladiators are often enemy warriors taken
as slaves and very good fighters] In 1AD Spartcus led an army of 70000 slaves, many of whom were former
gladiators, against Rome and they fought for 3 years. Rome ultimately subdued their revolt. As an
lesson/example to others they lined 130 miles of roads with 6000 crucified slaves. There were 2 results of
this insurrection by slavesFirst, laws were passed that if a slave murdered his master, all slaves in the house could be killed
-AND second
for centuries after Jesus death- there were no images of him on the cross since it was associated with this
revolt and with the punishment for criminals & slaves-- a source of shame for early Christians
st
Vespasian - a common sense soldier- 1 emperor not from the upper class-he was proclaimed
emperor by his troops–see his portrait- verismIn 72 AD he began the Flavian amphitheatre—Colosseum- 50,000 seatsbuilt using barrel vaults[arches] and concrete--exterior arcades
decoration- each level had a different column order- Doric heaviest and strongest was lowest - then Ionic
then Corinthian5 levels of stone seats- top were wooden bleachers - covered with a moveable velarium/awning for shade
80 entrances-- people had tickets with numbers like today
the model for modern sports complexes
ramps-below to bring in the spectacle- gladiators , caged prisoners, and animals below
name comes from harena- the sand that soaked up the blood—sometime flooded for mock sea battle
BLOOD AND CIRCUSES
Gladiators were often conquered warriors- some lucky few survived and were given their freedom many were
famous-like movie stars
Colosseum lasted until the 6th century when it was VANDALIZED for the marble and iron.[by the
Germanic Vandals]and all during the ‘Dark Ages’ after Rome’ fell into chaos’.
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Trajan- By this time the empire so large- he is first non Roman emperor- from Spain- he was so beloved he
was called optimus the best
the Dacians- one of the ‘barbarian northern tribes - were beaten by Trajan in 101-106 AD
this area became known since as Romania. Trajan took so much Dacian treasure back after this
campaign he could build many buildings and finance the building of Timgad in Algeria
Note: Not uncommon for a roman soldier to never have been to Rome or even to Italy –so many soldiers that
when they were not at war they were dangerous--what to do with them all?
1.Built a retirement city for his soldiers- based on a grid system- it is typical of all Roman townspublic facilities- baths, theater and a triumphal arch still visible
2. Built a column that showed his victories over the northern Dacian tribes- look at hairmustaches – it is a record of successful campaigns--there was a statue of him on the top [gone]
replaced by St Peter-this will be imitated by later dictators like Napoleon
3. Built a market- like our malls- 150 covered shops on several levels- vaulted ceilings lit by
skylights- maximum use of space- yet beautiful
4.Built a complex p184 new text-- that included the public forum and an equestrian statue of himselfTrajan’s column- [narrative of his victories], a library, temple and * and a
basilica –
It was the
building where he would have presided over legal matters- there would have been colossal statues
of him—see curved APSE—NAVE for court or business affairs- a secular building not a temple
entrance is from off the forum- on the side
see below- know how this is the model chosen for the new Christian church-
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Hadrianbearded [adopted the’greek’ style]—another non Roman-a Spaniard- able ruler- built a villa- look in your
text at the ruins- he was a collector of art-- and builder of the Pantheon—[temple to all the gods] all
inclusive- except for Christianity.
Rome was very tolerant and often adopted other new gods—just in case—one example was the worship of
Egypt’s mother goddess- Isis.
Romans had built temples to their many gods. Many of these especially the earlier ones- look like Greek
temples- small- post and lintel – Ionic, Doric, or a favourite- the fancy Corinthian order.
One temple is a triumph of engineering and use of concrete to describe space-
the Pantheon- a temple for many[all] gods
Exterior is plain but the interior is spectacular and meant to enclose huge crowds
coffered ceiling- square recesses- lightens the concrete-blue oculus-[eye]- opening to the sky
The opening is symbolic of the eye of the gods but it also reflects the cosmos as it
connects to the real cosmos lets in rain and light- drains off the floor
rotunda- round vestibule- sense of vast space with no visible support
a dome combined with a cylinder- enclosing a perfect sphere
columns only decorate not needed for support
built using concrete and the arch – very stable and strong-- When the Colosseum was damaged by an
earthquake the Pantheon was undamaged
The Pantheon was later made into a Christian church and is now a museum
The bottom wall are 25’ thick – and reinforced by buttresses
At the oculus they are 6’and lighter by adding pumice to the concrete and by creating the coffers –
Pantheon-this is still one of the few overwhelming spatial experiences –
so grand that photos can't capture it all at one time
note:
*only modern improvement is rebar
Romans were the 1st architects to think of a building ‘as a conscious means of
shaping space to affect the emotions of the people inside’
the gigantic enclosure of the Colosseum heightened the drama of the sports- the
lofty Pantheon conveyed a sense of awe, a sense of relaxation was included in
the design of Roman villas with pools and vistas.
The empire is eroding- 175 years after Christ it is deep trouble maintaining its borders
By time of Marcus Aurelius- he looks weary worn out with the job of holding the empire together
Equestrian statue- a rare example of this form of propaganda. There were many of these made but few
survived being melted down, by Christians or through war. His did because people thought he was
Constantine
His head is too large for the horse- made to be seen from below and to look correct.-to show superhuman
grandeur- holds the powerful animal with one hand
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Caraculla-from an Arab family—realism/verism- hair and beard—shows his suspicious nature. He was
ruthless- had his brother killed then had him erased from all family portraits[damnation-like Egypt?].
so as not to be a threat to his power- but he was assassinated like many other short lived rulers in the late
empire
Caraculla is best known for his baths- they could accommodate up to 1600 bathers- typical facilities- it had a
change room- Hot and cold pools- exercise rooms/gymnasiums -shops and gardens- some had libraries
attached
And they were very inexpensive so an average citizen might be swimming with the emperor
Another public service provided to keep people happy [and clean] –became social centres.
:
city life was crowded- we know a little about it from Ostia- insula/apartment block. Use of mosaics black&
white silhouettes for floors also painted vaulted ceilings- fresco
Diocletian- tried to bring stability with tetrarchy4 people to work to rule the he empire- east and west split 2 Augustus- 2 Caesars to be heirs
-appoints himself emperor/augustus in the eastern part of the empire- rules like an eastern prince
See how the art has changedsquat- holding onto each other for support- shown not as individuals but as an idea- idealism gonethe rue of 4 worked until he retired to Yugoslavia
He instituted the last terrible persecution of the Christians
Background to this persecution—WHY? Christianity began under Roman occupation of Palestine- in
the reign of Augustus Caesar —A decree went forth from Caesar Augustus that a census of the whole world
should be taken- St Luke
Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem to be counted .The Magi may have been Egyptian scholars/astronomers
[never does it say there were 3] and they may have seen a comet.
Jesus was baptized in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar.
Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea, a Roman province. Pilot found Jesus not guilty but the crowd
wanted a spectacle. It is a festival where the crowd can choose to save a criminal- Pilot lets them decide who
to free, a criminal or Jesus, and Pilot washes his hands of their choice of Jesus. Since Jesus is not a Roman
citizen he is crucified-a shameful death by suffocation For the Romans, Jesus would have been one of
many prophets or political trouble makers. He had only preached for 3 years and it all happened in
far away Palestine—not in the centre of their universe, the city of Rome.
When his followers begin to try to keep his teaching alive they take his story- using Roman roads
and mail service-efficient and safe and they will use Latin-a common language
Book of Acts:
St Paul- writing with advise and encouragement to Greece-Turkey, Syria, Egypt- his letters to the
Corinthians- Philippians- Romans- it was dangerous - he was arrested but tried as a Roman citizen.
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Christianity grew steadily –it was not constantly persecuted
The worst periods were under the BAD emperors such as Nero when they needed scapegoats
The worst was near the end of the Empire under Diocletian but the bravery they showed
attracted new members
They had no public house of worship- met quietly in people’s homes-under the sign of a cross
They developed a number of symbols that others would recognize --fish-shepherd- lamb-dove
WHY DID THEY PERSECUTE THE CHRISTIANS SO TERRIBLY???
1. Many did die but they could have saved themselves with a simple gesture- if they had been
willing to worship either the emperor or the Roman gods. Trajan offered them pardon in the arena
if they recanted but they preferred to die.
1.But they could have no other gods-before them
It made them unpopular –telling a Roman he was worshipping the wrong gods –that only they
knew the right answer. Romans had been very tolerant of the beliefs of the people they
conquered and even adopted their gods- as they adopted the Greek goddess Aphrodite and
changed her name to Venus. Isis was a popular goddess at the same time as Jesus . At this time
too, many worshipped the Persian god Mithrias by sacrificing a bull. No other group tried to
CONVERT- EVANGELICAL- that they alone knew the truth. Even though the average Roman
was not very religious he was fond of his gods and enjoyed the rituals.
2. Viewed as the lowest of the low-as undesirables
Early Christians came from the lowest parts of society-Christianity offered them hope of paradise
and equality before God- but knowing that prostitutes, lepers, even slaves were Chrisitian did not
make them appear as a desirable element to Roman state or a group any respectable Roman
wanted to join.
3.They worshipped in secret- some wondered what they were doing
-cannibalism? Eat this bread, this is my body… or
“love they neighbour”- were they practicing orgies?
Their belief in resurrection of the body
"these lunatics believe they are immortal" they were dismissed as a crazy cult or worse---one
historian called it a" deadly superstition"
4.Most important- they were seen as a destabilizing element to the peace of the empire
because they would not worship the emperor
-and a convenient scapegoat when things went wrong
Still the numbers continued to grow and spread through- all levels of society .Their bravery
and willingness to die made converts among Romans who admired their courage.
*Note:
Martyrs-‘witness’ of their faith by their deaththe remains of the martyred SAINTS become holy RELICS- objects of veneration in the
Medieval period-next week.
Diocletian did 2 things:
1. He orders one last terrible persecution of Christians—an attempt to
eliminate the growing number of Christians that now are in all classes and
occupations- most worrying to the emperor was finding out how many were in the
army. He burnt their homes and their sacred books, had them enslaved,
imprisoned, or tortured -- many died for their belief- became* MARTYRS
These martyrs will become the saints of the Christian church- and their possessions and
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bodies[remains] were found and hidden by the faithful- to become holy relics* [know
this]
Reportedly before his death in the Colosseum, a bishop said “I am as the grain of the field and
must be ground by the teeth of the lions so that I may be fit or his table” ...soon after we are told
115 Christians were shot down by arrows...many perished in the Colosseum no doubt during
the second rate show that coincided with the Roman’s noon day meal--no contest so boring.
Their offence was always the same – refusing to confirm their loyalty to the emperor by making
a sacrifice and refusing to deny their own religion.
Remember-2. He creates a rule of 4-Tetrarchy* two Augustus and two Caesars- sons-in law
who will become their successors-2 to govern in the west and 2 the eastthis will divide the empire officially in two –
he appoints himself Augustus of the eastern empire and declares himself to be divine--[remember all
Caesars/emperors were declared to be gods after they died]- he makes all his subjects prostrate on the
floor before him --creates an ‘eastern’ style court- he groups the province into diocese – strengthens the
east and lays the foundation for what will become the Byzantine style of rule
Tetrarchy study the figures in this statue-- How do they differ from earlier Imperial statues?
they are not the glorious roman propaganda of the past- unimpressivelook at how small they have become- identical clothes- size- huddled
they cling to each other for support[ was meant to show their unity but shows weakness]
they are not portraits- all look the same—art is changing
Diocletian’s plan does not work- when he abdicates, his 2 Caesars do not take over power
peacefully- instead there is a struggle for a single emperor.
Constantine—312 AD
He was young handsome a brilliant soldier and ambitious. His father was an emperor in the
west. His mother Helena- a devout Christian-is from Britain so he had spent little time in
Rome- He wants total power not a division of East and West. He declares war against his
competition. The night before a crucial battle he has a vision that his troops will win under
the sign of a cross – CHI RHO. He has them wear it as part of the uniform—they win.
Note: there are differing versions of this story – the main source was a bishop---did he see a
vision OR did he decide it was politically smart to decide on one religion and back it?
[Propaganda- revisionist history?]
Constantine puts his power behind the Christians and declares they can not be persecuted
Why would he do this?
-Maybe because he knew Christians were ALREADY in every segment of Roman society
-That people continued to become members in spite of the persecutions he
couldn’t stop them form believing
-Maybe because of his mother Saint Helena – did she give him advise?
-Maybe because he knew Christianity was very strong in the eastern part of the empire and
he wanted to unite the empire and the east was rich and important to his success
it was a good political decision
he defeats his fellow ruler in the east- now the absolute leader of the entire
empire and the head of the state religion- Christianity
see his colossal statue- still being made at the time but now his official propaganda
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includes his SPIRITUAL power- big eyesthe art at the end of this period is not a confident or as glorious as in the times of
great expansion and power
Look at Constantine’s triumphal arch
the figures are small - compressed into the space some of the images
-the faces identical –you know who is important by ‘placement-this will be the new
norm
he ‘borrowed’ art from earlier emperors’- such as Hadrian and Trajan
to make a connection to the ‘good emperors of the past
UNDER CHRISTIANITY ART WILL CHANGE
- EDICT OF MILAN 313 AD
he did not say it was the only religion allowed- but he gave it official support: monies
were directed away from the ‘pagan’ temples to the new building of Christian
churches—gave them tax-free land. The results were immediate:
Christians could come out of hiding- worship together- CONGREGATE
Many new churches were soon being built and they made them impressive—to ‘sell’ his
officially endorsed religion.
The church grew fast already highly organized into diocese headed by bishops .
Pontifex maximum was now also the head of the Christian church.
Robes- crowns- scepter- the Church hierarchy soon resembled the Roman emperor’s court.
Like the emperor, bishops sat on ‘throne’ - under a canopy – [a cathedra-seat of the bishop]
why buildings are still called a cathedral]
The new churches were based on the roman – basilica -omit one apse-entrance is from
the West facing the altar to the East
For further information go to Chapter 8
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Many of the new churches were built with the input of Constantine’s mother,
Saint Helena. She started a campaign to collect important relics to build
important sites to house them in Rome- but also Bethlehem, Jerusalem and
Constantinople NOTE: these sites will become important places for PILGRIMAGE.
Supposedly...when she showed her son nails that she said were from Jesus’
cross,
Constantine had them made into a bridle for his horse. For most of his short
rule, he saw himself as Apollo. He loved the gladiator games and sent many
of his German prisoners to wild beasts. He ordered his oldest son & wife to
slow suffocation in their bathhouse. Perhaps not surprisingly, he was not
baptized until just before his death. He was a shrewd politician-- for him
uniting the empire under one faith was what mattered and he bet on the success
of the Christians.
Constantine— did 2 things.
Besides giving Christianity protection, in 323 he moved his court
to[Byzantia] a Greek speaking town- to build a new Christian capital-a
new Rome
this will become Byzantine empire
it is still part of the Roman empire--it will continue for centurieseastern influence at is part of the eastern emperor’s court
it becomes like the Egyptian style of kingship-it was rigidly
Christian – these emperors ruled as theocrats-power from God –almost
divine.
Their courts were very rich- sophisticated- -learning- great
buildings like Hagia Sophia--this is where the information[& art] of
classical world survives safely -in the E till rediscovered in the
early Renaissance- 1400s but--The move further weakens the west
Historical information about the emperors- for your information- not required
In 46 BCE Julius Caesar* [7-13] assumed absolute power [called himself dictator for life] until he was
assassinated 2 years later. This created years of conflict but finally his grandnephew Octavian took control.
In 27BCE he was granted the title of AUGUSTUS*- meaning supreme ruler-and he is known in history as the
first emperor of Rome.[7-48] He was efficient as an administrator and the Augustan era was stable,
prosperous and peaceful. He was given the title Pontifex Maximus [high priest] - the highest religious official
as well as political leader. He laid the basis for 200 years of peace- the Pax Romana. After his death the
Senate ordered that he should be venerated as a god. as will all later emperors.
He established a line of emperors-beginning with his grandson Tiberius. Some were efficient administrators but times
were just as often marked by intrigue and terror – under Caligula, Claudius and ending with Nero [who killed his
mother- who was plotting to kill him- first he tried to drown her by rigging her boat but she swam ashore- then he had his
soldiers kill her in her home and they cremated her on her couch]- this line ended when Nero was forced to commit
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suicide before he was assassinated.
After his death there was civil war until a smart general- Vespasian- seized control and established a new
line- the Flavians-for the next 30 years. During this time the Colosseum was constructed- known then as the
Flavian amphitheatre[7-19]. By the time of the last Flavian emperor- Domitian – terror had returned to the
capital- 96 AD.
After his death, Rome had the “5 good emperors”. They did not depend on genetics to produce a good heirthey chose an able administrator to take over and then “adopted” him. Under this system, the Empire
flourished and under Trajan* 113 AD the empire reached its greatest extent- See Trajan’s column 7-3435- markets-[ 7-14+15] see his ‘bust’ 7-44
The empire’s borders were consolidated by Hadrian who built a wall to contain the N. barbarians and In
his reign the Pantheon [ 7-27 to 7-30] was constructed in 72-80 AD. To insure peace and continuity
Hadrian ‘adopted’ 3 men to continue his line -then he died and became a god.
2 of these men ruled Rome’s empire as co-emperors. One of them, Marcus Aurelius*, is portrayed in one
of the few original bronze equestrian statues still existing- [ 7-50] – others were melted down in various
wars- for cannon balls?
In the late empire - Severans period- there were hard times – political and economic decline. Barbarians
pressured the borders – rulers became more authoritarian. Many emperors were soldiers. Eventually the
army controlled the government and set up and deposed rulers at will- often selecting poorly educated
power hungry soldiers from the provinces- such as Caracalla- a hardened military man[ 7-52] who had
fabulous baths built- plate [7-17+18]- in 211-217 AD
Diocletian instituted the last state persecution of the Christians and established a rule of 4- a Tetrarchysharing his power with 3 others- divides the eastern empire from the west
** CONSTANTINE* 313 AD split the empire in 2 moved the capital to Constantinople and became
head of the Christian church- gave it state support
the empire continued on but under threat of invasion and its power in decline – in the west
Roman- quick overview
Romans were practical-organized-efficient
Terrific bureaucrats- highly literate
29 libraries at Rome’s height
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they had a sense of their place in history
they kept records of everything
invented laws, Julian calendar
they excelled as engineers
architects & artists were anonymous- they collected art – decorated with it
everywhere they went [conquered] they built roads- united the Empire-spread their culture
[Christianity later spread on Roman roads]bridges- aquaducts [ARCH &CONCRETE]
and towns- city planning—on a grid with parks & boulevards
only the rich lived in houses - most lived in apartment buildings -insula- crowded tenementsAqua ducts created cooling fountains – brought fresh water for public baths—exerciseWhere they conquered they sent back booty & slaves[1/4 pop.]
population grew - had to be housed and kept content
bread and circuses
-built huge public facilities—accommodate crowds
not individual but for the good of the empire
baths- amphitheatres- race tracks- temples-[for many gods]
1. well organised & practical- for the good of the empire
2.their knowledge of the ARCH - stronger than post and lintel
used to create beautiful vaults –INNER SPACES
3.CONCRETE incredibly strong- water proof can open up space
no need for supporting columns
The emperors to know are Augustus, Vespasian, Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, Caracula
Diocletian & Constantine due to their connection to a particular point in art or in buildingKnow the significance of Constantine –of Christianity -basilica- how it changed art since
this leads to the next chapter- Early Christian art
know the rise and fall of Rome and why
know the following termsarch- keystone- centering- tunnel or barrel vault- groin vault- dome
*concrete
insula
forum
*basilica-nave-aisle -apse-clerestory windows
amphitheatre- colosseum
circus- hippodrome
aquaduct
*Pantheon-rotunda-coffered- oculus
Triumphal arch- what were they for?
Sarcophagi Romans first were cremated – later buried in these –space for art-see Greek influence
Bust-why?
Pompeii and Herculaneum- Mt Vesuvius erupts 79 AD
*Fresco [buon fresco] pigment painted into wet plaster
*Trompe l’ oeil [ fool the eye]
Mosaic- how /where did the Romans use it?
Faiyum painting- can you explain it?
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Know how the Romans used propaganda to maintain the empire
Know how /why they used public works projects to maintain the empire
Know the importance of Constantine—to the future of the empire- as Christian[E & W]
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