Roman Art Flashcards

Flashcards about Roman Emperors and notable Roman structures from the lecture.

Who were the four emperors who succeeded Augustus from the Julio-Claudian line?

Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero

What new forms of art and architecture were required under the Julio-Claudians?

Dynastic portraiture and imperial palaces

What was notable about Tiberius' approach to foreign wars?

He followed Augustus' instructions not to undertake any expansive foreign wars, relying more on diplomacy than military force.

What sculptural display was hosted at Tiberius’ villa at Sperlonga?

A grotto dining room, set in a real cave with marble groups dedicated to the vicissitudes of Ulysses

Name one episode depicted in the marble groups at Tiberius' villa.

The blinding of Polyphemus, the attack of the monster Scylla, the abduction of Palladio, the rape of Ganymede or Ulysses dragging the body of Achilles

What ambitious projects did Caligula undertake during his reign?

Ambitious construction projects and luxurious dwellings for himself

Which obelisk was brought from Egypt to Rome by Caligula?

The Vatican Obelisk

What did Claudius achieve during his reign?

Administrative efficiency by centralizing the government, taking control of the treasury and expanding the civil service.

What measures did Claudius take to encourage grain importers?

He offered to insure them against losses on the open sea and constructed the new port of Ostia.

Whom did Agrippina persuade Claudius to adopt?

Nero

Who kept Nero in hand during the early years of his reign?

His tutor, the philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca, and by Africanus Burrus, praetorian prefect, and his own mother.

What happened in CE 64 during Nero's reign?

Fire ravaged Rome for six days.

What was the name of Nero's vast new imperial palace?

Domus Aurea, or Golden House

What are the delicate pictorial decorations in the Domus Aurea known as?

Grotesques

Who introduced 10 years of stability and sensible government after the chaos following Nero's suicide?

Vespasian

Which city did Titus capture in 70 CE?

Jerusalem

What event is Titus' short reign most remembered for?

He opened the Colosseum and Vesuvius erupted.

What happened in August CE 79 during Titus's reign?

Mount Vesuvius erupted, engulfing Pompeii and Herculaneum.

What do the wall painting styles in Pompeii tell us about?

The various phases of interior decoration, stylistic shifts in Roman art, the prosperity of the area, and specific tastes during the times.

Under which emperor did the Colosseum construction start?

Vespasian

Under which emperor was the Colosseum completed?

Titus

What was the Colosseum used for?

Gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas.

What was the retractable awning of the Colosseum called?

Velarium

What were the passageways that allowed spectators access their seats in the Colosseum called?

Vomitoria

What was the underground structure beneath the Colosseum arena floor called?

Hypogeum

What memory was the location (Via Sacra) for what memorial built for Titus?

His conquest of Jerusalem

What practice was implemented on Domitian after his death?

Damnatio Memoriae

What did Domitian call himself that showed his superiority to mere mortals?

Lord and God

What was Domitian's Palace Built on?

Palatine Hill

What type of contests were performed at Domitian Stadium?

Athletic Contests

Who did the senate nominate to take over the government after Domitian?

Marcus Cocceius Nerva