Ancient Roman Culture &Art History6th Grade Art & Introduction to ArtMs. McDaniel

Ancient Roman Vocabulary1. Ludi8. Papyrus2. Mosaic9. Relief3. Arch10. Amphitheater4. Aqueduct5. Fresco6. Murals7. Etruscan

Timeline of Ancient RomePrevious BC in Italy Etruscan civilization753BC Legendary Founding of Rome by Romulus510BC Etruscans are overthrown Rome rises510-44BC Roman Republic27BC 476AD Roman Empire(Roman art was at its height from 750BC 410AD)

Critical Culture QuestionsWeve 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 inventions3. Had an established government like ours4. Modern democratic nations have used Rome as a model for nation building5. 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 spectatorsThe ancient Romans used papyrus a term that may sound familiar Papyrus Natural Egyptian paper used throughout the ancient world

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

AqueductsAqueducts 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)

Roman ArchesMost 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.

Arch - A curved structure made of stone which supports or strengthens a building. The Romans were the first to use the arch in large-scale architecture.

Roman BathsRomans 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 PlumbingFor 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.

ConcreteComposed 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 BlocksRomans 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.

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

Where did they get their 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 thats when their art styles changed a lot. They viewed the Greek art in temples and peoples home and either stole it or bought it. They liked it so much that sometimes they brought back Greek sculptorseither paid or as slaves. 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.

How was their style influenced?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 alteredThe Etruscans

Used realism Used archways Developed casting sculptures in bronze Had sophisticated architecture practicesThe Romans used all of these ideas in their artwork

Ancient RomanSculpture

Greek Copies 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 sculptors were only interested in sculpting perfection - most beautiful male or the most physically fit male.

Greek Copies (contd) 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.

Much of the early Roman artwork was about Greek mythologyor the Roman equivalent of their mythology

akaZeus- Roman gods were Greek gods with different names and different characteristics

New Style DevelopmentsAs the civilization matured, the Romans began to develop their own artistic style: - Highly developed sense of realism: sculptures had wrinkles, bulges and could be agedthe 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

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

Roman ArchitectureThe Ancient Romans were masters of architecture the designing and erecting of buildings. Some of the structures they built were:

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

Roman Architecture The ColiseumOne 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. Ludi Games in Ancient Rome chariot races, theatrical performances, gladiator fights, mock sea battles & wild beast shows Arena is 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.

Roman Architecture The Coliseum

Roman Architecture The Coliseum

Roman Architecture The Coliseum

Roman Architecture Circus MaximusThe Circus Maximus was the biggest and most important stadium in Rome. It held over 250,000 people. (One quarter of Romes population) It was originally made of wood, but the emperors Titus and Trajan had it rebuilt in concrete, brick and stone. 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

Critical Culture Questions 2How is architecture related to art and the concepts weve 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 didnt 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?

Other Roman Artwork - FrescoesThe 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.

Fresco wall paintings made to look like marble paint applied to wet plaster

Other Roman Artwork - MuralsMurals were used in large spaces, such as a large villa or a palace.

Mural large wall painting

Other Roman Artwork - MosaicsRomans 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 - FriezesRomans used friezes to decorate temples and walls they are relief sculptures. They are used to depict scenes of war, daily life or religion.

Frieze Long patterned band or picture used to decorate a wall

How Do We Know?We have a vast knowledge of the artwork and culture of Ancient Rome because of the preservation of the city of Pompeii. 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.

How Do We Know?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.

Critical Culture Questions 3The 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 perfectionthe Romans were more concerned with realismdo 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?