Roman Empire

The Roman Empire

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.
- Marcus Aurelius

Sample Free Response

Identify this sculpture and the art-historical period associated with it. Discuss the characteristics that place the sculpture in this period and how it differs from sculpture of the preceding period.

Key Ideas

Roman art reflects their ambitions and monuments reflect the glory of the gods and government
Roman architecture is famous for the arch, the vault, and the use of concrete.
Roman paintings are few yet we have well preserved first, second, third, and fourth styles from Pompeii.
The Romans had a great interest in the height of Greek art and continued to make many copies of Greek sculptures.
The Romans also move away from cremation and begin to have burials. Roman royalty are still cremated. Funerary practices may start to reflect the influence of Christianity and other Eastern religions that believe in an afterlife.

Types of Government

Monarchy: 8th-7th centuries BCE
Republic (with Senate): 6th century BCE
Dictator (Julius Ceasar): 48 BCE (murdered 44 BCE)
Empire (under Augustus): 27 BCE

Group Assignment

Research one of the following ancient sporting events from the Greek/Roman time periods in small groups. (Will assign in class.)
*Boxing/Wrestling, Gladiatorial games, Olympics/Pentathlon, Equestrian (chariot and riding), Running, Ball games/dice/board games

You will create a brief presentation (5-8 minutes) about an ancient sporting event using ancient artworks as illustrations and visuals. Please include proper credit lines. Use "then/now" comparisons including where the sports were held. How have they evolved into modern day sports?

Use a Google presentation that you can share with me (and be able to edit) to combine into one presentation for everyone.
Presentation will be on Wednesday, December 9.
Google presentation due Tuesday, December 8 by midnight.

Additional Resources

* YouTube Video- The Column of Trajan
* YouTube Video- Concrete Engineering
* YouTube Video- The Pantheon
* YouTube Video- Pont du Gard
* Visit the The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline for a walk through history.
* YouTube Video- In 3 parts, Michael Portillo, a British journalist, explains the beginning history of Christianity in Rome, starting with Constantine.
Visit Khan Academy's Smarthistory about Ancient Rome

Vocabulary

ashlar masonry
atrium (atria)
basilica
coffer
composite column
continuous narrative
dome
encaustic
foreshortening
forum
fresco
impluvium
keystone
oculus
peristyle
perspective
pier
spandrel
triclinium
triumphal arch
tuscan order
vault
verist

Artworks List

Head of a Roman Patrician
Fortuna Virilis
House of the Vettii
Augustus Primaporta
Ara Pacis
Pont du Gard
Colosseum
Arch of Titus
Forum of Trajan
Marcus Aurelius Equestrian statue
Pantheon
Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus
Painting styles (1-4)
Arch of Constantine