CC 302: Introduction to Ancient Rome

November 18-23: Roman Art and Architecture

I. Lingua Latina

Regarding some emperors

• Evulgato imperii arcano (Tacitus on the deposition of Nero)
• Puto deus fio (allegedly Vespasian's last words)
• Felicior Augusto, melior Traiano (Senate's wishes for new emperors)

Some Graffiti from Pompeii

• C. Pumidius Dipilus Heic Fuit
• Augii Amat Allotenum
• Philiiros spado

 Roman Life and Society

• Praesens divus habebitur Augustus (Horace)
• Legum servi sumus ut liberi esse possimus (Cicero).

On architecture

• Urbem latericium invenit, marmoream reliquit (Augustus)
• Roma domus fiet (said of Nero's domus aurea)
• M. AGRIPPA L. F. COS. TERTIUM FECIT

I. Note change to syllabus for November 30th

30 OIH "Envoi: On Taking Leave of Antiquity", first section only (pp. 401-409), 210 Reasons for the Fall of Rome: Read list, choose one or two proposed reasons to discuss in class

III. Roman Life and Society, continued

III. Roman Art and Architecture

A. Some Central Features of Roman Architecture

• The importance of Greece and Etruria
• Expanded Use of Arches and Vaulting
• Concrete with Brick and Marble Facing

B. Some monuments

• The Mausoleum of Augustus
• Nero's domus aurea
• The Colosseum
• Domitian's palace
• Domitian's stadium
• Trajan's forum and markets (Apollodorus)
• The Pantheon

C. Other Forms of Art

• cameos and glass
• portrait sculpture
• relief sculpture
• frescoes
• mosaics

Images to accompany discussion

Back to CC302 home page