The Roman Period
Context Roman Republic Lasted from 500 bce to 100 ce Gave political stability Motto of SPQR - the senate and the roman people Meant rule was with the people and not in a form of government
Context Roman Republic Acted like a democracy Senate conducted the business of government Senate made up of patres- heads of old families, and plebs- wealthy citizens
Context Military Expansion Rome gained control of the Hellenistic world of Alexander Eventually expanded to Europe and British Isles Took Carthage in a series of Punic Wars- North Africa
Context Roman Civil War Senate power increased and participation by citizenry decreased Wealth in Rome depended on spoils of war Period of 100 years of upheaval
Context Roman Civil War 59 bce Julius Caesar was elected consul. Voted dictator for life Died days later 15 March 44bce Assassinated in the Senate Caesar gave us the Julian calendar- 365 days with an extra day every four years. Began 1jan 45bce
Context The Roman Empire Pax Romana Rome spread under excellent emperors-- Claudius, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. Roman system of law and administration Governed land up to 3mil square miles and population of 80mil System of roads linked the Roman Empire Roman Influence spread throughout the world
Roman Empire 211ce
Concepts Roman Law Jurisprudence Technique for deciding how general laws can be applied to specific cases. The most influential concept of the Romans Applied philosophical methods to legal cases
Concepts Stoicism Reason governed the world, the Great Intelligence was God. Acceptance of fate and duty Kinship of all people- justice for all Righteousness of great wealth
Concepts Divinities and Mystery Cults Originally gods were nature- spirits-- of sky, agriculture, war, the hearth- fire. Gods mixed in with Greek gods, but with Roman names- Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva were Zeus, Hera, and Athena. Adherence to rituals for the community
Concepts Classicism Rome imported Greek classical ideas into art and architecture Added the arch to Greek architecture
Concepts Utilitarianism and Pragmatism Utilitarianism- The greatest happiness and least pain for the Greatest number of People Pragmatism- judges ideas on experience, experimentation, and practical effect
The Arts Painting Fresco- painting on wet plaster that becomes part of the wall surface. Inspired by Greek art Every day subject matter Trompe l oeil- trick of the eye- 2D art that gives the impression of 3D
The Arts
The Arts Sculpture Life like representation Portraits important Were of emperors and their accomplishment Relies on symbolism Sarcophagi
Trajan s Column
Sarcophagus
The Arts Architecture Engaged columns- partially embedded in wall Cella- the main enclosed space Tunnel vaults- arch that was in the form of a tunnel Arcade- series of arches Triumphal arches- highlight triumphs of emperor
Architecture
The Arts Architecture- the Pantheon Designed and built by Hadrian to honor all gods Niches- cut out spaces in walls Oculus- round opening at the top of dome Coffers- squares which reflected the framework Buttresses- drains cut into concave floor
Pantheon
Pantheon
The Arts Architecture- the Coliseum Host to gladiator games and sports Amphitheatre- combination of two semicircular theatres facing each other
The Arts Theatre Comedy Wild, lewd, and unrealistic Wore masks and padded costumes Pragmatic- kept your mind off your problems Plautus and Terence Changed greek plays Appeal to emotion
The Arts Theatre Blood sport Performance of gladiator and animal Held executions at intermission Gladiator was a mostly a volunteer, some slaves Displayed honor before life Granted clemency with raise of a finger Did not like Christians and martyrdom
The Arts Music Introduction of brass instruments.. Especially for military use