Romans
Roman Empire and the Transition to Empire
- Overview of Rome's Transition
- Before the rule of Julius Caesar, Rome was a republic.
- Julius Caesar was assassinated by Brutus due to his perceived tyranny.
- Augustus, following Caesar, transformed Rome from a republic to an empire, establishing centralized control under one ruler.
- The Roman Empire lasted approximately 400 years post-Augustus.
- Augustus is recognized as the first emperor of Rome.
Pax Romana
- Definition and Context
- The Pax Romana referred to a long period of relative peace and stability throughout the Roman Empire.
- Established by Augustus to facilitate the growth of the empire.
- Augustus's reign was marked by the expansion of the empire and consolidation of power.
The Roman Forum
Historical Significance
- Originally, the Forum served as the sacred center of the Roman Republic.
- Transitioned into a symbol of imperial power under subsequent emperors.
- Some notable constructions include:
- Forum of Julius Caesar
- Forum of Augustus
- Forum of Trajan
- Forum of Nero
Structural Changes
- Development required cutting into surrounding hills to create flat ground for new constructions.
- Imperial forums were built on top of older structures, leading to a layered urban fabric in Rome.
The Architecture of Imperial Forums
- Key Architectural Features
- The design of Caesar's Forum featured a courtyard and a temple.
- Emphasis on urban placement: Roman temples were situated within cities unlike their Greek counterparts, which were predominantly located in sacred landscapes away from urban centers.
- Roman Temple Characteristics
- Built within enclosures, showcasing a relationship with urban settings.