Architecture under Emperor Augustus and Nero - 2109 Words

Architecture under Emperor Augustus and Nero The Roman architect, Vitruvius once said, â€Å" Architecture depends on Order, Arrangement, Eurhythmy, Symmetry, Propriety, and Economy† (â€Å"Virtuvius†). Vitruvius epitomizes the characteristics of Roman architecture that was not only meant to be aesthetically pleasing, but serve a social and ideological function. The Romans were masters of utilizing architectural structures to define their own history, rule and power. Rome is called the â€Å"Eternal City† and Ancient Romans are remembered not only for the political achievements, but their monumentality of buildings such as the Pantheon and Coliseum. Roman architecture focuses on proportionality, but as a whole achieves spatial unity and are independent from natural surroundings and other solid entities. The structures are reflective of Roman ideology, inspired by Greek ideals, but independent and organized on the principles of order and clarity. Roman build ings prove to be a gateway into the disposition of the emperor at the time. Throughout Roman history, Senators were often called â€Å"the fathers of the Roman people† and the father or pater was in charge of the household and society as a whole. As Augustus was called pater patriae he used the city as his household, and blurred the line between civic and domestic space. He integrated himself into the city itself and literally built his family and himself into the city’s landscape. In his Res Gestae he refers to himself as theShow MoreRelatedA Look At Roman Imperial Portraiture1572 Words   |  7 Pagesof art, particularly architecture and sculpture is rooted in adopting styles of the past to convey a particular message. The combination of Greek and Etruscan styles, such as in the Temple of Portunus in Rome, ultimately culminate to reference a new meaning and style that is independently roman. Similarly to architecture, the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, chose to liken both is architecture, by using stone and the orders, and his portraiture back to the Greeks. Romans emperors ultimately tend to useRead MoreTemple Of The Olympian Zeus And Flavian Amphitheater932 Words   |  4 Pagesof the Olympian Zeus and Flavian Amphitheater Architecture is the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings and physical structures. Architectural work is often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Ancient Greek architecture is distinguished by its highly formalized characteristics, both of structure and decoration. Ancient Roman architecture adopted the external language of classical Greek architecture for the purposes of the ancient Romans, but differedRead MoreFascinating Rulers Of The Roman Empire And Early Middle Ages2608 Words   |  11 Pageshistorians are Augustus, Nero, and Justinian. During each of their reigns, these rulers inspired new law codes, economic reforms, artistic innovations, and religious reform. While each ruler possessed unique skills and beliefs, each emperor had similarities in how they came to power. Art flourished and building forms renovated the various cities in The Roman Empire and Early Middle East under the reign of Augustus, Nero, and Justinian . The first emperor of Rome was Augustus. Augustus came to powerRead MoreRoman Empire1506 Words   |  7 Pages  The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterized by government headed by emperors, and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The 500 year old republic which preceded it was severely destabilized in a series of civil wars and political conflict, during which Julius Caesar was appointed as perpetual dictator and then assassinated in 44 BC. Civil wars and executions continued, culminating in the victoryRead MorePolitical and Cultural Significance of the Flavian Amphitheatre1748 Words   |  7 Pagespolitical tool, to manipulate the views of the people and to demonstrate the power of the State. The very first emperor of Rome, Augustus, initiated social reform through the construction of buildings from 27 BC onwards. Emperor Vespasian in 69 AD used a similar initiative, and through out Rome’s history it can be seen that times of civil unrest are often followed by a flourish in architecture and the arts. An example of this can be seen in one of Vespasian’s major building projects, the Colosseum, officiallyRead MoreThe Arch of Titus: The Triumph of the Emperor Essay1342 Words   |  6 Pagesuses of architecture for glorification of a Roman emperor is the Arch of Titus. Built specifically upon the highest point of the Via Sacra, or Sacred Road, this arch is a lasting monument to the glorification of Titus. The Arch of Titus was built by Emperor Domitian to honor the capture and siege of Jerusalem by Titus and his apotheosis, or deification. This arch is an outstanding example of one of the most celebrated ways used by the Romans to express the honor and glory of their emperors. The ArchRead MoreHumanities in Ancient Rome2129 Words   |  9 Pagescenturies of Rome’s existence, it produced hundreds upon thousands of architects, musicians, playwrights, actors, sculptures and many other artists of all kinds. Arguably though, Rome is most known for its stunning architecture, classic sculptures and beautiful paintings. The architecture of ancient Rome was born out of necessity rather than for beauty. Rome was the most populated city of its time and was more populated than any city ever up until that point. At its height, it was the home to approximatelyRead MoreThe Legacy of Rome Essay998 Words   |  4 Pageshand, literally. The emperor would signal a thumbs down if the soldier deserved to live, and gave a thumbs up if he felt the soldier should die. Men dressed as Roman gods would kill the condemned soldiers to add some sensationalism to the already sensational event. The gladiators fought in huge coliseums or amphitheaters. The largest was The Colosseum in Rome. It sat 45,000 people and was where the emperor would host his personal games which, if you lived in the time of Nero, he usually won. TheRead MoreAugustan Art and Propaganda Essay1964 Words   |  8 Pagesand chaotic period for Rome, and after his death, a large portion of the empire was handed down to his adopted son, Gaius Octavian. From the ashes of his father, Octavian was able to build an Empire unparalleled. Later, the name Augustus was given to him by Senate. Augustus ostensibly maintained the form of the Roman Republic while in actuality creating the Roman Empire. He introduced the administrative reforms that led to the Pax Romana with its flourishing of trade and the arts. Although AugustussRead MoreThe Effect of Emperors on Religion2087 Words   |  8 Pagesadherents and for the others. Historically, it is commonly known that Christianity started with Jesus in the ancient Roman world, it is commonly known that he was eventually executed and that, after his death, Christians were persecuted under several Roman emperors reigns, and it is commonly known that during one specific reign the Romans started to shift their attitude towards Christians and Christianity became the main religion of Rome and of all its provinces that adopted Romes culture, traditions