Myth and sybols of power and Foundation stories Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Aeneas’ role in the founding of the Roman race?
Aeneas is a Trojan prince, son of Venus (Aphrodite) and Anchises. After the fall of Troy, he leads a group of survivors on a long journey to find a new home. He eventually arrives in Italy, fulfilling his divine mission. Marries Lavinia, daughter of King Latinus. Founds the city of Lavinium, starting the line of kings that will lead to the founding of Rome. His son, Ascanius (Iulus), founds Alba Longa, home to Romulus and Remus’ ancestors.
What is the myth of Romulus and Remus?
Twin sons of Mars (god of war) and the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia. Abandoned at birth and raised by a she-wolf. Later restored to their royal lineage and decide to found a city. Dispute over location and augury results in Romulus killing Remus. Romulus becomes the first king of Rome, giving the city his name. Emphasises divine ancestry, strength, and Rome’s warlike origins.
What similarities and differences does Plutarch note between Theseus and Romulus?
Similarities: Both are founders of great cities (Athens and Rome). Both had divine ancestry (Theseus – Poseidon or Aegeus; Romulus – Mars). Both had to defeat threats and unify people. Both had murky moments (Theseus abandons Ariadne; Romulus kills Remus).
Differences: Theseus is seen as wise and political, bringing people together through reforms. Romulus is more aggressive and militaristic, emphasising Roman power. Theseus represents order and unity; Romulus represents dominance and control.
What is the Centauromachy and what does it symbolise in Greek art?
A mythical battle between Lapiths (civilised humans) and Centaurs (barbaric beasts). Depicted on the Parthenon metopes. Symbolises the triumph of civilisation over barbarism, order over chaos. Metaphor for Greek victory over the Persians. Reinforces Athens’ identity as a protector of culture and civilisation.
What is the Amazonomachy and how is it shown in art?
Mythical battle between Greeks and Amazons (warrior women). Shown on the Bassae Frieze at the Temple of Apollo Epicurius. Represents order vs. chaos, like the Centauromachy. Highlights Greek strength, male dominance, and cultural superiority. Reinforces civic and military pride.
How does the Prima Porta statue of Augustus show Roman power?
- Idealised statue of Augustus as military leader and divine figure.
- Breastplate relief shows return of Roman standards from Parthians — a diplomatic victory.
- Cupid at his feet links him to Venus, showing divine descent from Aeneas.
- Barefooted pose and ideal body shows him like a god or hero.
- Located in public and political settings to promote imperial authority.
How does the Prima porta promote the power of Augustus?
It shows Augustus as a strong military leader.
The idealised body makes him look god-like and powerful.
Cupid at his feet links him to the goddess Venus, showing divine ancestry.
The arm raised in the air shows him as a confident and commanding speaker.
Being barefoot suggests he is more than human, possibly divine.
describe the centauromachy
Takes place in Thessaly where there is a group of mythical men called the Lapiths with Ixion as their King (Gods and humans have a more friendly relationship) Ixion is invited to dine with the Gods in Olympus, while he is there he starts to flirt/ make suggestions to Hera. When Zeus sees this he decides to test Ixion, he creates out of the clouds an image of Hera and he puts them near each other. Ixion has sex with Cloud Hera, uncivilized. The cloud Hera gets pregnant, and when this cloud rains the centaurs that come out from the cloud (children of Ixion and Cloud Hera) therefore centaurs are born out of uncivilized, barbaric affairs, so they grow up to be like that. Creation of “the other” (they don’t live in cities, they don’t fight with swords, they just do what they want) Because they are alien to us we don’t like them that much. Ixion punishment is to be stuck to a rolling fire spinner. Perithous then becomes King of Lapiths and he is going to marry Hippodamia (different to the Olympics) he wants to invite the children of Ixion to his wedding (the Centaurs and Lapiths) the centaurs get drunk and boisterous and very sexualized so they attack the Lapith women this leads to a big fight we call the Centauromachy the lapis win. Theseus was at the wedding and helped fight the Centaurs, The Athenians use this myth on the Parthenon because Theseus was there. They display to show that civilization will always beat barbarism (Persians) – found of metopes of Parthenon
Ara pacis VS prima porta which shows Agustus power best?
Category
Winner
Divine Association
Prima Porta
Family and Dynasty
Ara Pacis
Peace Through Victory
Prima Porta
Religious Leadership
Ara Pacis
How does the Ara Pacis show the divine association of Augustus?
It includes goddesses like Tellus (Mother Earth) or Pax (Peace), surrounded by symbols of fertility. This suggests that Augustus’ rule is blessed by the gods, and that divine forces support the peace and prosperity he brings.
The symbolism reinforces the idea that Augustus’ leadership is divinely sanctioned.
How does the Ara Pacis show Augustus’ power through family and dynasty?
It shows a procession of Augustus’ family, including children and women, presenting the image of a strong and stable imperial dynasty. It encourages loyalty to his heirs and highlights the future of Rome under his leadership.
This representation emphasizes the importance of family in maintaining political stability.
How does the Ara Pacis show peace through victory?
It was built to celebrate peace after military victories in Spain and Gaul. The imagery of abundance and calm reflects the idea that Augustus brought the Pax Romana — peace through his military strength and leadership.
This peace is depicted as a reward for the sacrifices made in battle.
How does the Ara Pacis show Augustus as a religious leader?
It depicts Augustus in a religious procession, acting as Pontifex Maximus (chief priest). This shows him as not just a political leader, but also the moral and spiritual guide of the Roman people.
His dual role strengthens his authority both politically and spiritually.
How does the Prima Porta statue show the divine association of Augustus?
Augustus is shown barefoot, a symbol of divinity or heroism in Roman art. At his feet is Cupid riding a dolphin, linking him to Venus, the goddess from whom the Julian family claimed descent — emphasizing his divine ancestry.
The imagery connects Augustus directly to divine lineage, reinforcing his legitimacy as a ruler.
How does the Prima Porta statue show Augustus’ power through family and dynasty?
Although it doesn’t show his family directly, the Cupid at his feet links him to Venus, reinforcing the divine origin of the Julian line. Augustus is shown as young and idealized, suggesting a strong, eternal ruler fit to lead a lasting dynasty.
This portrayal aims to instill confidence in Augustus’ leadership and the continuity of his lineage.
How does the Prima Porta statue show peace through victory?
The breastplate (cuirass) shows a scene of the Parthians returning the Roman standards, symbolizing a major diplomatic and military success. Surrounded by gods, this shows Augustus as the bringer of peace through strength and victory.
The depiction of military success serves to legitimize Augustus’ rule and his role as a peacemaker.
How does the Prima Porta statue show Augustus as a religious leader?
It doesn’t show him in a religious role. Augustus is dressed as a military general, emphasizing his power and authority, but not his priestly or religious status.
This choice of attire indicates a focus on military and political leadership over spiritual or religious duties.
Why does the Prima Porta show Augustus’ divine association better than the Ara Pacis?
Prima Porta is better because it gives clear, personal symbols of Augustus’ divinity — he is barefoot (a heroic/godlike pose), and Cupid on a dolphin links him directly to Venus, showing he is descended from a goddess.
Ara Pacis shows gods like Pax and Tellus, but they represent general peace and prosperity — they don’t connect Augustus himself directly to the divine.
Why does the Ara Pacis show Augustus’ family and dynasty better than the Prima Porta?
Ara Pacis includes a full imperial procession, with real family members, including children, promoting Augustus’ dynasty and future heirs. It presents a real image of succession and stability.
Prima Porta, on the other hand, doesn’t show his family at all — it relies only on divine ancestry through Cupid, not on political reality or human heirs.
Why does the Prima Porta show peace through victory better than the Ara Pacis?
Prima Porta shows a specific military achievement: the return of Roman standards from the Parthians, carved into his breastplate. It shows Augustus as a powerful, victorious leader whose diplomacy brings peace.
Ara Pacis focuses more on the result of peace (like fertility and calm) but not on how it was achieved — it lacks specific victories or battles.
Why does the Ara Pacis show Augustus’ religious role better than the Prima Porta?
Ara Pacis shows Augustus actively taking part in a religious procession, dressed as Pontifex Maximus (chief priest), proving his role as moral and spiritual leader of Rome.
Prima Porta shows him as a military general, not a priest. There are no signs of religious authority or rituals in that statue.
