Roman Art/Archaeology Quiz I

Wedding of Amphitrite and Neptune

A marble relief from the late 2nd/early 1st century BCE depicting the wedding of Amphitrite, the goddess of the sea, and Neptune.

Hellenistic Baroque Style

An artistic style characterized by dramatic movement, motion, and round figures, prevalent in Greek art during the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd centuries BCE.

Deep relief

A sculptural technique that creates a very three-dimensional effect, often used in marble reliefs.

Census Taking Relief

A marble relief from the late 2nd/early 1st century BCE that depicts a census and a sacrifice to the gods, highlighting the significance of everyday tasks in Roman society.

Suovetaurelia

A Roman sacrifice involving a pig, sheep, and bull, depicted in the Census Taking Relief.

Native Italic style

An artistic style characterized by a plain background, short, stubby legs, and static figures, reflecting Roman influence and realism.

Prima Porta Augustus

A marble statue from the 1st century CE depicting Augustus in military dress, notable for its detailed breastplate and symbolic elements.

Cuirass

A type of body armor worn by Augustus in the Prima Porta statue, featuring depictions of significant figures and events.

Pax Romana

A period of peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire, associated with Augustus's leadership.

Pax deorum

The peace of the gods, a concept that emphasizes the importance of sacrificing and respecting the gods, as shown in Augustus's reign.

Augustan classicism

An artistic style that reflects the ideals of Augustus's reign, emphasizing order, harmony, and the connection to classical Greek art.

Doryphoros/Spear Bearer

A famous sculpture by Polykleitos from the 5th century BCE, which served as a model for Augustus's representation in art.

Mausoleum of Augustus

A monumental tomb built for Augustus, symbolizing his legacy and the power of the Roman Empire.

Marble

A material used extensively in Roman sculpture, indicating the expansion of the empire into marble deposits and trade networks.

Temple of Neptune

The location in Rome where both the Wedding of Amphitrite and Neptune and the Census Taking Relief were found.

Census

An official count or survey of a population, significant in Roman society as depicted in the Census Taking Relief.

Augustus

The first Roman emperor, who reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14, known for bringing peace and stability to Rome.

Civic duty

The responsibilities of citizens in a society, exemplified by the act of taking a census in Roman life.

Deified

The process of being made a god, often applied to emperors in Roman culture, as seen in the representation of Augustus.

Heroic nude fashion

An artistic convention where gods and goddesses are depicted nude, contrasting with clothed Roman citizens and emperors.

Expansion of empire

The growth of Roman territory and influence, reflected in the use of marble and artistic styles in Roman art.

Mausoleum

Had res gestae on it; style or idea was copied from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos, the final resting place of Mausolus.

Tumulus style

Huge size + lots of statuary; connection to Etruscan ancestors.

Concrete

Romans started using concrete more.

Resting place for Augustan family

Whole family = establish dynasty.

Ara Pacis Augustae

The Altar of Peace, made of marble and located in Rome.

Carved Garlands

Found on the insides of the Ara Pacis Augustae.

Lower Relief

Florals with small animals.

Upper Relief

Depicts a woman (earth, Ceres, peace?) with two children reaching for breasts.

Processional Relief

Shows the Augustan family and senators with Augustus's head covered.

Fertility

Connection to Augustus's political agenda, symbolized by animals with babies.

Forum of Augustus

Dedicated in 2 BCE, made of stone, concrete, and marble.

Temple to Mars Ultor

Statues of Roman historical figures (Romulus, Aeneas) with Augustus in center as pater patriae.

Statues of Roman historical figures

Include Romulus and Aeneas.

Unique attributes of Forum Augustum

Uneven back due to blocking off Roman red light district.

Combination of materials

Stone, concrete, and marble; combines Roman techniques with Greek temple materials.

Findspot/Function of Forum of Augustus

Near other forums + Forum Julium.

Artist/Patron

Augustus, voted to Augustus by senate.

Archaistic Relief of Apollo, Diana, Leto

C. 27 BCE, dedicated 2 BCE.

Palatine Hill, Rome

Location associated with significant Roman historical artifacts.

Procession of deities

Subject matter that matches the description of cult statues from inside the temple.

Historical relief

Art form that often incorporated depictions of monuments or buildings in the background.

Archaistic Archaic Greek Style

Style characterized by triangular/swallowtail folds, fussy fingers, stiff posture, and proportions mostly on tiptoe.

Etruscan style

Art style noted for a lack of empty space.

Temple of Apollo

Findspot that helps discern what the temple actually looked like.

Doorway of Eumachia Building

Marble structure located in the Forum, Pompeii.

Eumachia

Artist and patron who dedicated the building to her son to help his political career.

Julio-Claudian Period

Historical period from 14 - 68 CE.

Gemma Augustea

Sardonyx artwork from 15 AD depicting military victory and deification of Augustus.

Deification of Augustus

Top register of Gemma Augustea showing Augustus in the guise of Zeus.

Tiberius

Shown stepping out of the chariot in Gemma Augustea, ready to be emperor.

Sardonyx

Material used in Gemma Augustea, a stone with two colors.

Sculptural Group of Polyphemos

Artwork depicting Polyphemos about to get stabbed in the eye.

Sculptural Group of Scylla

Art piece related to Greek mythology, specifically the Odyssey.

Anticipatory moment

Style depicting the moment right before Polyphemos is blinded.

Hellenistic styles

Art styles that influenced Roman sculpture, characterized by diagonals and tension.

Sperlonga, Italy

Location of the Grotto Dining Room and associated sculptures.

Diagonal axes

Artistic technique used to create tension and movement in sculptures.

Pompey the Great

Historical figure whose son Sextus was beaten by Augustus during the civil war.

Natural rock, concrete, brick

Materials used in Roman construction, emphasizing ingenuity.

Grotto Dining Room

Location in the Villa of Tiberius that featured a cave scene.

Scylla attacking Odysseus' men

Subject matter depicting a Greek mythological scene.

Hellenistic style

Art style characterized by group composition and diagonals.

Portrait of Claudius as Jupiter

Sculpture from 42 AD, marble, located in Lanuvium, Italy.

Claudius

Roman emperor known for invading Britain and public works.

Sebasteion

Monument dedicated to Julio-Claudian emperors and Aphrodite.

Claudius defeating Britannia

Sculpture representing Claudius' military achievements.

Aqua Claudia

Aqueduct built in 52 AD, significant Roman engineering feat.

Damnatio memoriae

Senate's decree to destroy all depictions of Nero.

Nero's Golden House / Domus Aurea

Massive palace featuring revolutionary engineering and lighting.

Octagonal Room

Part of Nero's palace, showcasing innovative design.

Oculus

Opening in the dome allowing natural light into a space.

Palatine Hill

Location of significant Roman structures including Nero's palace.

Roman ingenuity

Innovative techniques and designs in Roman construction.

Findspot/Function

Location and purpose of a particular artwork or structure.

Style (Date)

Artistic style and the time period of a work.

Subject Matter

The main theme or focus of an artwork.

Claudius' relationship to Augustus

Portrayal of Claudius to connect himself to the Augustan dynasty.

Deification of emperors

The portrayal of emperors as divine figures in art.

Greek, Hellenistic elements

Artistic influences from Greek culture seen in Roman works.

Roman engineering feat

Significant advancements in construction and design by Romans.

Huge production center for sculpture

Aphrodisias, known for its marble deposits and sculpture production.