Exam 2 Study Guide – Exam 3 Vocabulary

Vocabulary Terms

  • The Etruscans: An ancient civilization located in Central Italy (Tuscany) known for their unique art and architecture.
  • Podium: A raised platform, often forming the base of a temple.
  • Necropolis: A large, ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs.
  • Tumulus: A mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves.
  • Tufa: A porous, volcanic rock used in Etruscan and Roman construction.
  • Concrete: A building material made from a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates, widely used by the Romans for their structures.
  • Vault: An arch-like structure that spans an area, often used in ceilings or roofs.
  • Buttressing: A support system for walls or columns that helps withstand lateral forces.
  • Groin Vault: A vault created by the intersection of two barrel vaults, resulting in a complex ceiling.
  • Dome: An architectural element resembling the hollow upper half of a sphere, often found in large structures.
  • Oculus: A circular opening at the apex of a dome, allowing light and air into the structure.
  • Verism: An artistic style that emphasizes realistic representation of the subject, especially the elderly in portraiture.
  • Patrician: An aristocratic class in Ancient Rome.
  • Pompeii: An ancient Roman city preserved under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE.
  • Vesuvius: A volcano in Italy known for its eruption that buried Pompeii.
  • Forum: The central public space in ancient Roman cities, used for various activities including commerce and politics.
  • Amphitheater: An oval or circular building with an arena in the center, used for public spectacles.
  • Domus: A type of household in Ancient Rome, typically occupied by the upper class.
  • Julius Caesar: A key figure in Roman history who became dictator and was assassinated in 44 BCE.
  • Suetonius: A Roman historian known for his biographies of Caesar and other prominent figures.
  • Triumphal Arch: A large archway commemorating victories, often adorned with reliefs and inscriptions.
  • Basilica: A large and important church building, initially designed for public use in ancient Rome.
  • Clerestory: An upper section of a wall that contains windows, allowing light into the building.
  • Constantine: The first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, known for significant contributions to the culture and architecture of the Roman Empire.

Important Images to Memorize

  1. Etruscan Sarcophagus with reclining couple: A notable coffin design representing intimacy, from Cerveteri, Italy, ca. 520 BCE.
  2. The Tomb of the Leopards: A Tarquinia tomb featuring vivid murals, c. 480-70 BCE.
  3. Capitoline Wolf: A symbolic Etruscan statue from ca. 500–480 BCE showcasing heritage.
  4. Temple of Portunus: A well-preserved Roman temple, ca. 75 BCE, known for its Ionic columns.
  5. Head of an old man: Roman portraiture emphasizing realism, mid-first century BCE.
  6. Brawl in the Pompeii amphitheater: A famous wall painting depicting action, ca. 60–79 CE.
  7. Dionysiac mystery frieze: Wall paintings representing ritualistic themes, ca. 60–50 BCE.
  8. Battle of Issus (Alexander Mosaic): A historical representation created in tesserae, late second or early first century BCE.
  9. Le Pont du Gard: An aqueduct bridge demonstrating Roman engineering, 16 BCE.
  10. Augustus of Prima Porta: An iconic statue of Emperor Augustus, First century CE.
  11. Ara Pacis Augustae: An altar dedicated to peace, Rome, 13–9 BCE.
  12. The Colosseum: Iconic Roman amphitheater for hosting games, ca. CE 70–80.
  13. Trajan, Optimus Princepts: A statue commemorating one of Rome's greatest emperors, ca. 115 CE.
  14. Forum of Trajan: A complex project by Apollodorus of Damascus, 112 CE.
  15. The Arch of Titus: A triumphal arch celebrating the victory over Jerusalem, after 81 CE.
  16. Trajan’s Column: A monument showcasing Trajan's victories, 112 CE.
  17. The Pantheon: A remarkable temple known for its dome and oculus, 118-125 CE.
  18. Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus: Art rich in narrative from ca. 250–260 CE.
  19. Portraits of the Four Tetrarchs: A statue group representing the co-emperors, ca. 305 CE.
  20. Portrait of Constantine: An important representation of Emperor Constantine, ca. 315–330 CE.
  21. Arch of Constantine: A monumental arch celebrating Constantine’s victory, 312–315 CE.

Essay Preparation: Compare and Contrast

  • Choose one of the following pairs:
    • Pair #1: Model of a typical sixth-century BCE Etruscan temple vs. Temple of Portunus (75 BCE).
    • Pair #2: Augustus of Prima Porta (First c. CE) vs. Heroic portrait of Trebonianus Gallus (251–253 CE).
  • Consider the following for analysis:
    • Medium
    • Subject matter
    • Cultural context and its impact
    • Ritualistic or political significance