Week 5 Flashcards
Spectacle, Manubial Monuments, the Fora and The Roman Triumph
What term describes the architectural structures in ancient Rome constructed from the spoils of war?
Manubial Monuments, also known as ‘triumphal’ architecture.
Detail the features and functions of the Flavian Amphitheatre, later known as the Colosseum.
Dedicated in 80 CE by Emperor Titus. 80 entrances to facilitate quick exits (vomitoria). Hosted various spectacles, including ludi (gladiator school), venationes (animal/men battles), and naumachia (water battles). Hypogeum underground area with rooms and elevators for dramatic animal entrances during Hadrian’s reign.
What was the Circus Flaminius, and why is it challenging to locate its remains?
Original civic circus in ancient Rome, featuring Etruscan athletic areas. Was claimed by other structures in the 3rd and 2nd centuries and is now overgrown.
Describe the historical significance and features of the Circus Maximus.
7th century BCE featured 12 gates representing the months. Chariot races around the Spina (a central divider) An Obelisk (marked the end of the Spina) reflecting the exploitation of Egypt. Despite its destruction in the 1st century CE, the Circus Maximus underwent significant renovations in the 4th century CE.
Describe the features and significance of the Roman Theatre, particularly focusing on the Theatres of Pompey and Marcellus.
The Theatre of Pompey, constructed in the 1st century BCE by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, offered vast garden areas and served various social functions with fountains and sculptures, in the Campus Martius. The Theatre of Marcellus, by Julius Caesar but completed by Augustus in 14 BCE.
What are the five Imperial Fora?
Forum of Caesar, Augustus, Vespasian, Domitian and Nerva, and Trajan.
Describe the Forum of Domitian/Nerva.
‘Transitorium’ (passageway)
connected Forum Romanum with suburban space. Smallest of imperial fora begun by Domitian 85 CE
and finished by successor Nerva 97 CE. Frieze of Arachne.
Describe the Forum of Caesar.
First imperial forum, begun 54 BCE with tabernae. Most recognizable feature was double colonnade on 3 sides.
Describe the Forum of Augustus.
Shares ‘wall’ with Caesar’s forum, 2 exhedra (open ‘recess’), chariot statue (quadriga): Pater Patriae
Of Augustus, Father of the Fatherland
Describe the Forum of Vespasian.
75 CE Templum Pacis, Temple of Peace but reconstruction difficult
forum, archaeological mess.
Forma Urbis Romae located on wall of this forum
Have been found to ‘fill gaps’ to use as a building material.
Who was eligible to receive a Roman triumph, and what were the components of a triumphal procession?
A victorious general, known as a “vir triumphalis” or “triumphator,” who had demonstrated success on campaign and held imperium, or military command.
Describe the Forum of Trajan
Before was a temple structure and courtyard. Trajan added administrative spaces
Basilica Ulpia with Greek and Latin libraries, markets of Trajan.
Most visible remains are
Column of Trajan with scenes against Dacians. Trajan’s ashes were placed in the base
What was the purpose of a Roman triumph?
The purpose of a Roman triumph was to publicly celebrate and display the military successes and spoils of war achieved by a victorious general for the glory of Rome.
What were the Fasti Triumphales?
Documented the dates of triumphs granted from the Roman monarchy to 19 BCE, and were displayed publicly
What significance did the pomerium hold in the context of granting a triumph?
Invisible sacred boundary encircling the entire city. Surrendered command of their armies. No standing armies were allowed within the pomerium. Failure to disband the army upon entering this boundary was considered an act of war.
