Roman Emperors and Severan Architecture

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the rise of the Severan dynasty and the major architectural monuments of imperial Rome, including arches, monumental fountains, and imperial bath complexes.

Severans

The fourth great dynasty of imperial Rome, established after a period of civil war in $193$.

Parthia

The region considered the natural target for Roman military diversions to enhance dynastic legitimacy through victory.

Arch of Augustus

An early triumphal monument where components were not unified in design and the mastery of tying together vertical and horizontal elements had not yet been achieved.

Arch of Septimius Severus

A monument in the Roman Forum featuring a continuous entablature and attic, linking the new dynasty with the founder of the Empire.

Septizodium

A monumental colonnaded fountain at the Palatine Hill named after the seven planetary deities, whose architecture recalled theatrical stages.

Planetary Deities

The seven celestial bodies associated with the Septizodium: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sol, Venus, Mercury, and Luna.

Temple of Serapis

A massive temple on the Quirinal Hill built on a huge artificial platform with a monumental enclosed stairway leading to the street level.

Frontone di Nerone

The popular name for the corner of the pediment of the Temple of Serapis, which survived until its demolition in $1630$..

Palazzo Colonna

A family palace built into the ruins of the monumental stairway of the Temple of Serapis.

Dioscuri

Ancient statues originally located near the Temple of Serapis that were moved to the Piazza del Quirinale.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli

A $12^{th}$ century Christian basilica that features a monumental stairway installed in $1348$.

Baths of Caracalla

A massive leisure complex designed as a refuge from city turmoil, featuring a rotunda taller than the Pantheon.

Frigidarium (Baths of Caracalla)

One of the largest vaulted spaces in Rome, representing the zenith of the interplay between columnar and vaulted forms.

Caldarium (Baths of Caracalla)

The rotunda section of the imperial baths that was nearly as large as the Pantheon but taller.

Basilica Aemilia

A structure in the Roman Forum decorated with statues of Parthians.