This course is a study of the art and architecture of ancient Rome from Republican times to the late Empire, emphasizing the monuments of the city of Rome and its urban plan. Topics range from the extraordinary such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and imperial baths to the mundane, the water system and roads. We will study the engineering and aesthetics behind the buildings, as well as their use for the rituals, spectacles, commercial and political activity of the Romans. What were gladiatorial shows like? What happened in Roman baths? What do Caesar's portraits reveal about his ambition? How did Augustus present himself to the people? We will examine Roman sculpture, its values and messages; portraits of Republican senators and emperors ranging from Augustus to Constantine , as well as the imagery depicted in coins, and triumphal arches and columns.
A study of Roman houses and their decoration from such cities as Pompeii and Ostia will elucidate the private lives of the Romans, their tastes, values, and customs. What was the setting of a Roman banquet like? How did Romans decorate their bedrooms?
Examination of funerary monuments and practices will explain Roman beliefs about the afterlife and how they changed over time - the influence of traditional pagan beliefs, mystery religions, and the ultimate triumph of Christianity. How did the Romans decorate their sarcophagi? What images did Roman Christians borrow from the pagans?
In our exploration of Roman material culture we will employ art history, archaeology, and written sources. We will also examine the way in which "the glory that was Rome " has been interpreted over time from the Renaissance to Mussolini and contemporary film.
REQUIREMENTS:
Assignments include a final exam, a project/class report and a short paper. Grades will be calculated approximately as follows:
Final 30%
Project/Class Report 30%
Class Participation, daily assignments 25%
Short Paper 15%