Power To The People - The Art of the Roman Republic & The Early Roman Empire

Power to the People

• Theme explored in this presentation.

The Art of the Roman Republic

• Focus on political structures and artistic expressions.

The Art of the Early Roman Empire

• Examined through significant works and architectural advancements.

Roman Timeline

• Roman Republican Period (509-27 BCE):

  • Overthrow of the last Etruscan King, marking the Republic's foundation.

  • Major buildings serve political purposes rather than worship.

  • Keywords: Temples, Ara Pacis, homage to rulers.

• Early Empire Period (27 BCE-180 CE):

  • Characterized by wall paintings, concrete innovations, and arches.

  • Keywords: Colosseum.

• The High Empire (180-195 CE):

  • Era of the Five Good Emperors, known for peace and prosperity.

  • Keywords: Column of Trajan, Hadrian’s Wall, Pantheon.

• The Late Empire (195-400 CE):

  • Diocletian's division of the Empire into four parts.

  • Keywords: Tetrarchy, Arch of Constantine.

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Republican Period

Overview

• Rome's foundation tied to the Latins, who lived on the Tiber River.

• Overthrew Etruscan King Tarquin in 509 BCE.

Spark of Revolution

• Lucretia, a Latin woman, is raped by Tarquin's son.

• Her suicide ignites the revolt against Etruscan power.

Establishing a New Government

• Romans sought to create a republic blending Greek democracy and Etruscan authority.

• Res publica: Meaning a government of the people.

Government Structure

• Three branches of government:

  • Executive: Consulship led by consuls.

  • Advisory: Senate populated by senators.

  • Legislative: Assembly with two houses (Assembly of Centuries & Assembly of Tribes).

Seven Hills of Ancient Rome

1. Quirinal

2. Viminal

3. Esquiline

4. Capitoline

5. Palatine

6. Caelian

7. Aventine

Roman Culture Synthesis

• Romans synthesized ideas from other cultures.

• Influences seen in art, sculpture, and architecture, leading to cultural blending.

• Is it Greek or Roman? Frequently debated due to similarities.

Comparisons: Greek vs Roman

• Preferred Structures:

  • Greek: Temples to gods.

  • Roman: Civic buildings to honor the Empire.

• Materials:

  • Greek: Cut stone blocks.

  • Roman: Concrete with ornamental facing.

• Forms:

  • Greek: Rectangles, straight lines.

  • Roman: Circles, curved lines.

• Support Systems:

  • Greek: Post and lintel.

  • Roman: Rounded arch.

• Column Styles:

  • Greek: Doric & Ionic.

  • Roman: Corinthian.

• Sculpture & Painting:

  • Greek: Idealized representations.

  • Roman: Realistic portrayals of figures, especially in portraiture.

Innovations in Architecture

Roman Arch

• True arch with voussoirs and keystone led to grand structures.

• Terms:

  • Voussoirs: Wedge-shaped stones forming the arch.

  • Keystone: Central stone locking the arch in place.

  • Barrel Vault, Groin Vault: Innovations using arches for structures.

  • Dome with Oculus: Example of Roman architectural mastery.

Republican Art

Temple of Portunus

• Example of Roman art incorporating Etruscan and Greek elements:

  • High podium, deep porch with freestanding columns.

  • Built of local stone, originally overlaid with stucco.

  • Ionic columns with pediment and engaged columns.

Sculpture in the Republican Era

• L’Arringatore (Aulus Metellus): Hollow-cast bronze representing authority and realism.

• Portraiture reflects Roman societal values, emphasizing individual characteristics.

Patrician Portraits

• Emphasis on age and realism, signifying wisdom and experience.

• The significant Head of a Roman Patrician showcases these traits.

Transition to the Imperial Age

Expansion of Territory

• Rise of a wealthy elite from conquests; growth of latifundia.

• Social unrest among poor farmers due to availability of cheaper grain from conquered regions.

Julius Caesar's Actions

• Served as a military leader restoring order through conquests in Gaul.

• Introduced public works, citizenship, and the Julian calendar.

• Relationship with Cleopatra raises Roman concerns leading to his assassination on the Ides of March.

Aftermath of Caesar's Death

• Augustus Caesar emerges as the first Emperor:

  • Known for peace (Pax Romana) and expansion.

  • Ara Pacis: Monument celebrating Augustus’ achievements.

Subsequent Emperors

• Tiberius (14-37 CE): Adequate ruler but unpopular.

• Caligula (37-41 CE): Brutal and unstable.

• Claudius (41-54 CE): Intelligent ruler who expanded the Empire but faced personal betrayal.

• Nero (54-68 CE): Known for excess and leadership failures leading to unrest and his eventual suicide.

Key Monumental Structures

Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum)

• Initiated by Vespasian; symbol of new imperial direction.

• Capacity for 45,000 spectators, hosting gladiatorial games and public events.

• Significant for its architectural innovations and cultural impact.