Ancient Roman Culture & Art History

Ancient Roman Culture &Art History 6th Grade Art & Introduction to Art Ms. McDaniel

Ancient Roman Vocabulary 1. Ludi 8. Papyrus 2. Mosaic 9. Relief 3. Arch 10. Amphitheater 4. Aqueduct 5. Fresco 6. Murals 7. Etruscan

Timeline of Ancient Rome Previous BC in Italy – Etruscan civilization 753BC – Legendary Founding of Rome by Romulus 510BC – Etruscans are overthrown – Rome rises 510-44BC – Roman Republic 27BC – 476AD – Roman Empire (Roman art was at its height from 750BC – 410AD)

Critical Culture Questions We’ve studied Egyptian Art History previously, they had a unique art style – why was their style so different than the rest of the world? What were some of the Egyptian innovations we studied? Do we still use their innovations in our daily life now? The Romans came along much later, how do you think their innovations influenced us? How does the Roman culture influence us today? From the dates we know Roman art started and when Egyptian art ended, was there any overlap? The Romans had running water – how were they able to achieve this?

Why is Ancient Rome Important Today? 1. Their architecture style is still used today 2. They made many important inventions 3. Had an established government like ours 4. Modern democratic nations have used Rome as a model for nation building 5. They spoke Latin – basis for our modern language (all scientific names are in Latin) 6. They made significant strides in realistic art – which we still use today.

Where was Ancient Rome located? Rome is located in Italy but the Roman Empire spread throughout a large part of modern-day Europe through conquering territories.

Ancient Roman Culture Brutal, efficient military: Were called the Roman War Machine - largely considered to be the most efficient military in history. Government was very organized: Roman citizens operated under many laws – much like our society today Extremely organized: had huge roadway system – consisted of over 50,000 miles of roads – all systematically laid out (“All roads lead to Rome”) Loved entertainment: The Coliseum was built for huge entertainment – held 50,000 spectators The ancient Romans used papyrus – a term that may sound familiar Papyrus – Natural Egyptian paper used throughout the ancient world

Aqueduct • Arch • Roads • Public Baths & Sewers • Concrete • Apartment Blocks Ancient Roman Innovations Ancient Romans were instrumental in inventing concepts that we use today

Aqueducts Aqueducts were used throughout the Roman Empire to carry clean water to the many towns. This was one of the most important inventions in ancient Rome. This aqueduct is still standing today. Aqueduct – An artificial channel for carrying water (used gravity to their advantage – water flows downward)

Arch - A curved structure made of stone which supports or strengthens a building. Roman Arches Most arches consist of wedge-shaped blocks. The top center stone, called the keystone, is the last block to be inserted. During construction, arches are often supported by a wooden frame. When the frame is removed, both sides of the arch press against the keystone and thereby support the arch. The Romans were the first to use the arch in large-scale architecture.

Roman Baths Romans liked to keep clean. They liked to bathe at least once a day. But most people did not have individual baths in their houses. Instead, they went to large public baths, where they could relax, meet friends and exercise as well as bathe. Water for the baths was heated in a tank, much like our modern water heaters, then piped into a basin heated by a furnace under the floor. Although fond of bathing, the Romans were not familiar with soap. In order to get clean, they would oil up, then scrape the oil and dirt off together with a metal tool called a strigil.

Roman Plumbing For the first time in history, the Romans had a comprehensive plumbing system. Gravity-based, many homes had running water, which was unprecedented. The water also flowed for fountains and waste systems. There were large sewer tunnels.

Concrete Composed of lime or gypsum, water and rubble stones, concrete was revolutionary to the Ancient Romans and allowed them to build massive structures for much cheaper than the traditional marble stone that the Greeks utilized.

Apartment Blocks Romans were able to build high-rise apartment buildings – however, they relied on gravity-based water flow systems so the first floors had access to water, but the top floors were tiny, single rooms with no access to water. The richer you were, the lower you lived.

Portrait Sculptures • Statues • Relief Sculptures • Painting • Mosaics • Architecture Ancient Roman Artwork Ancient Roman art really began around 500 BC with the beginning of the Roman Republic

Where did they get their style? The Etruscans The Etruscans were inhabitants of ancient Italy before the rise of the Roman Empire. When the Romans came in and overtook or assimilated the inhabitants, they were influenced by their art style. The Ancient Romans were influenced by many different cultures over their reign. They were introduced to new cultures and concepts while they conquered new lands. Two of their major influences were: The Greeks Romans began conquering Greece around 200BC and that’s when their art styles changed a lot. They viewed the Greek art in temples and people’s home and either stole it or bought it. They liked it so much that sometimes they brought back Greek sculptors…either paid or as slaves.

How was their style influenced? The Etruscans • Used realism • Used archways • Developed casting sculptures in bronze • Had sophisticated architecture practices The Greeks • Used complicated patterns • Sculpted free form figures • Had a complex system of gods and goddesses • Pretty much all of the Greek art was simply copied or altered The Romans used all of these ideas in their artwork

Ancient RomanSculpture

Romans loved Greek artwork, at first they copied the sculptures almost exactly but they were never able to figure out how to make the figures free-standing - All Roman copies of Greek sculpture can be identified by a tree trunk or a stand holding the figure upright. Greek Copies • Greek sculptors were only interested in sculpting perfection - most beautiful male or the most physically fit male.

In the beginning of Roman sculpture, they copied the Greek style of sculpting human perfection. All statues are what were considered the ultimate achievement in beauty/and or fitness. Greek Copies (cont’d) • Much of the early Roman artwork was about Greek mythology…or the Roman equivalent of their mythology - Roman gods were Greek gods with different names and different characteristics Jupiter aka…Zeus

New Style Developments As the civilization matured, the Romans began to develop their own artistic style: • - Highly developed sense of realism: sculptures had wrinkles, bulges and could be aged…the Greeks would never do that. • Lots of portraits: they believed that it was important to keep the ghost happy after it departed or it would haunt you. • As the Roman War Machine marched on, they came upon new ideas: Around 200AD, they warred with the Germans which gave them a bloodlust – art was much more brutal • As more Christians came into the empire, their style changed: There was more concern for the soul – eyes were more expressive, the body was less important, we see a step away from realism (Realism further deteriorates as Christianity takes over in the Middle Ages)

Roman Sculptures - Realism

Roman Sculptures - Portraits

Roman Sculptures – Harsher Styles

Roman Sculptures – Christian Influence

The Romans also used relief sculptures for political influence and celebrations of victories. Roman Sculptures – Relief Sculptures Relief – Sculpture that is raised from its flat background

The Ancient Romans were masters of architecture – the designing and erecting of buildings. Some of the structures they built were: Roman Architecture • Forums - squares which were surrounded by temples, shops, and basilicas • Basilicas - public buildings • Baths • Markets - a five story complex housing shops, bars and restaurants • Amphitheaters - such as the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus • Theatres • Triumphal arches - celebrating the victories of the Romans • Villas • Temples • Roads • Forts and Stockades • Towns • Aqueducts

One of the most impressive pieces of ancient Roman architecture is the Coliseum. Built for entertainment purposes in 80AD, it can house 50,000 spectators. The Ancient Romans loved their entertainment which was usually very violent. Roman Architecture – The Coliseum • Arenais actually a latin word for sand (used to soak up the blood of the combatants) • The floor of the Coliseum was dual level – one level for the entertainers to perform and a level below to hold the ‘acts’ • Charioteers are usually slaves – if they are successful, they become superstars • The loser is at the public mercy – a “thumbs up” sign means that the loser can live. A “thumbs down” sign means death. Ludi – Games in Ancient Rome – chariot races, theatrical performances, gladiator fights, mock sea battles & wild beast shows

Roman Architecture – The Coliseum Coliseum Now

Roman Architecture – The Coliseum Inside of Coliseum

Roman Architecture – The Coliseum Ancient Times

The Circus Maximus was the biggest and most important stadium in Rome. It held over 250,000 people. (One quarter of Rome’s population) It was originally made of wood, but the emperors Titus and Trajan had it rebuilt in concrete, brick and stone. Roman Architecture – Circus Maximus • The Circus Maximus was 623 yards long and 153 yards wide. • A charioteer slave could purchase their freedom with prize money. Some became very rich and famous. • Much like our sports today, the chariot races were divided into teams. The spectators got very into supporting their team, sometimes at the cost of spectator deaths. Amphitheater – Oval-shaped theater designed for entertainment such as gladiator fighting

Roman Architecture – Circus Maximus Ancient Times Today

Critical Culture Questions 2 How is architecture related to art and the concepts we’ve been discussing this entire year? How were the Romans able to construct their massive structures without the aid of modern machinery? Do we see these types of construction elements today? What are the advantages of roads? What gives them their usefulness? They didn’t have cars so are there other reasons for the significance of a pathway that is not made of dirt only? Since the Ancient Roman Empire was so large, how did it affect their artwork?

Fresco – wall paintings made to look like marble – paint applied to wet plaster Other Roman Artwork - Frescoes The Ancient Romans used frescoes in their homes. Frescoes lasted much longer than traditional paintings because the technique of applying paint to wet plaster essentially preserved the picture.

Mural – large wall painting Other Roman Artwork - Murals Murals were used in large spaces, such as a large villa or a palace.

Romans were particularly skilled at mosaics – small colored pebbles cut down to flat pieces assembled to create a picture. They were able to achieve very realistic pictures using mosaics. Many Roman mosaics are still well-preserved. Other Roman Artwork - Mosaics

Frieze – Long patterned band or picture used to decorate a wall Other Roman Artwork - Friezes Romans used friezes to decorate temples and walls – they are relief sculptures. They are used to depict scenes of war, daily life or religion.

We have a vast knowledge of the artwork and culture of Ancient Rome because of the preservation of the city of Pompeii. How Do We Know? • In 79AD, the volcano Mount Vesuvius blew, which buried the prosperous town of Pompeii besides the Bay of Naples in lava and ash. • The city never recovered and was forgotten over time. • In 1748, the city was excavated, in perfect preserved condition.

Since ash buried the entire city, including the insides of homes, the frescoes, mosaics and style of life was suspended in perfect condition. This includes the remains of the people caught in the pyroclastic blast. The preserved remains have provided a large insight into the daily life and art of Ancient Romans. How Do We Know?

Critical Culture Questions 3 The Romans were a historically significant military machine – they are often regarded as the greatest warriors in history. Do you think they might use their artwork to influence their citizens? Do you see that now? As we discussed, when Christianity grew in the Roman Empire, skill began to decline. We know that Christianity really takes over much of the land further on in history past the Roman Empire, do you think the skill of realism fades further the heavier the Christian influence grows? Why? The Greeks cared only about the pinnacle of human achievement and perfection…the Romans were more concerned with realism…do you feel that this made their society more successful? How do you think the longevity of the Egyptian artwork compares to the Roman artwork? Although the Egyptian artwork has been around longer, both have lasted longer than 2000 years. In your opinion, who was the most successful? Why?

Ancient Roman Culture & Art History