Ancient Rome

Overview of Rome's Foundation and Geography

• Rome was founded over 2,500 years ago as a village on the River Tiber.
• Located halfway down the Italian Peninsula, the land is hilly and rocky, not suited for agriculture.
• Romans needed to source grain from outside, differing from the Greek reliance on sea trade due to their lack of seafaring skills.

Roman Expansion Strategies

• Instead of maritime trade, Romans expanded their territory by conquering neighboring states (e.g., Etruscans and Greeks).
• Territory expansion provided food, exposure to new ideas (philosophy, religion), and building materials.

Cultural Borrowing and Civic Society

• Roman gods and arts were influenced by Greek counterparts, reflecting a blend of cultures.
• Roman Republic established civic rights for conquered peoples, treating them as citizens.
• Governance ensured representation and stability, resembling modern democratic systems.

Infrastructure and Urban Development

• Importance of infrastructure in maintaining civic order:
• Roads and highways
• Aqueducts for water supply
• Sewage systems
• Roman art focused on realism, depicting real people and emotions, contrasting with Greek ideals of beauty.

Transition to the Roman Empire

• Augustus became emperor in 27 BCE, marking the start of the Roman Empire.
• Art became a tool for propaganda, showcasing the emperor's power.

Architectural Innovations

• Incorporation and adaptation of different styles:
• Greek architectural orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) mixed in designs.
• New Roman orders: Tuscan and Composite developed from Greek influences.
• Adoption of the arch from Etruscan architecture enabled wider spans and vaulted spaces, leading to larger structures.
• Concrete use, learned from the Middle East, allowed for stronger construction.

Urban Planning and Public Spaces

• Imperial Rome had over 1,000,000 inhabitants, leading to innovative urban designs.
• Residents lived in apartments and mixed-use buildings; shops on the streets with apartments behind.
• Public facilities (bathhouses, markets) showcased Roman civic life.

Aqueducts and Public Worship

• Aqueducts constructed to channel water into cities with multi-level arches.
• Unlike Greeks, Romans placed temples in public spaces (the Forum), promoting personal choice in worship.
• Temples, like the Pantheon, featured grand structures with varying interior designs for different deities.

Basilica and Memorial Arches

• Basilica functioned as a law court, characterized by long rectangular areas and smaller side chambers.
• Numerous memorial arches to celebrate victories and exhibit the empire's prowess.

Iconic Structures: The Colosseum

• A culmination of Roman architectural principles: blending Greek orders, Etruscan arches, and the use of concrete.
• A public building accommodating diverse audiences, symbolizing the empire's might and grand scale.