The Roman Empire

Diocletian

Rejuvenates/Revives Empire. Copies Augustus.

Nero

Roman Emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of Rome in 64) but the Empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68). Blamed the Christians.

Pompeii

Roman city near Naples, Italy, which was buried during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

What do the excavations at Pompeii tell us about the inhabitants' way of life?

The inhabitants of Pompeii lived in comfort, their decorated homes designed to stave off the heat of summers and provide refuge from the busy city streets. There were several bathhouses, a theatre, a concert hall, and an amphitheatre which all attest to a rich cultural community.

What is unique about the palace of Diocletian at Split on the Adriatic coast?

The palace of Diocletian at Split on the Adriatic coast is built in the design of a military camp and incorporates eastern motifs.

Hadrian

"Romanized"and organized the empire- built bridges, roads, and aqueducts, ruled during the height of the Pax Romana, Built Hadrian's Wall across Britain, strengthened borders.

Who were the two most important rulers of the Late Roman Empire in the West? - C.E. 284-305: - C.E. 306-337:

The two most important rulers of the Late Roman Empire in the West were Emperor Diocletian, C.E. 284-305, and Emperor Constantine, C.E. 306-337.

Tiberius

second emperor of Rome; ruled during the time of Jesus' death, changed his name.

Who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire? What reforms did he implement?

Emperor Augustus (Octavian) was the first Roman Emperor. His reforms included establishing a vast central administration with numerous civil service positions as well as redefining the role of military soldiers as defenders of Rome's borders, engineers, police, surveyors, and agricultural laborers.

What emperor designed the Pantheon (C.E. 126)? What was architecturally significant about the shape of its roof? What was the function of its oculus?

Emperor Hadrian designed the Pantheon, built c. C.E. 126. The building is architecturally unique for its huge oculus at the top of the dome which provides it with light.

Constantine

Emperor of Rome who adopted the Christian faith and stopped the persecution of Christians (280-337)

Caligula

Had no interest in running the empire, wants to party all the time. Assassinated by his own guards. Really dumb.

In what sense did the Roman Empire survive until C.E. 1453?

If the city of Constantinople is seen as a continuation of the Roman Empire, then it could be argued that the Roman Empire fell when the city was overtaken by the Ottoman Turks in C.E. 1453.

What was the significance of the founding of Constantinople in C.E. 330?

In C.E. 330, Emperor Constantine moved the capital of Rome to the East and named it Constantinople.

What invention in the first century B.C.E. made possible the Roman use of barrel vaults and domes?

In the first century B.C.E. the invention of concrete and new understanding of stress and counter-stress made possible the development of barrel vaults and domes.

Which architectural style did Romans prefer to the Doric and Ionic? How did this style different from the Doric and Ionic?

Instead of the Ionic or the Doric style of architecture, Romans preferred the Corinthian style in which capitals are decorated with leaves opening upwards and the columns rest on simple bases.

What were some of the targets of Juvenal's Satires?

Juvenal's Satires targeted the Roman aristocracy, which he criticized for their degeneracy and malice. In some of his works, his antipathy is fiercely directed at women.

What town, 150 miles south of Rome and destroyed by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in C.E. 79, has provided much valuable information about life in the early Roman Empire?

Pompeii, 150 miles south of Rome and destroyed by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in C.E. 79, has provided a great deal of information about life in the early Roman Empire.

According to the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace), how did Augustus want to be seen by his contemporaries, and to be remembered by future generations?

The Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) expresses Augustus' desire to be seen as a force of peace and a major figure on the path of Rome's glorious ascendancy, which began with the founding of Rome (as personified by the figure of Aeneas). He is portrayed as the Supreme Leader, followed by members of his family, thereby signaling his intention of establishing hereditary succession.

What is considered to be the last great imperial building in Rome?

The Basilica of Constantine is considered to be the last great imperial building in Rome.

What was the significance of the Battle of Actium (31 B.C.E.) in the history of the Roman Republic?

The Battle of Actium (31 B.C.E.) brought an end to the struggle for power between Octavian and Marc Antony, after which Octavian assumed supreme control of Rome and its territories.

How did the events at Pompeii inspire later artists and writers?

The excavations at Pompeii inspired several poets and novelists. Pompeian motifs were used in contemporary china, and artists such as Ingres, David, and Canova were influenced by Pompeian painting and sculpture.

What event in C.E. 476 marks the formal end of the Roman Empire in Western Europe?

The formal deposition of Emperor Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman emperor, in C.E. 476 marks the formal end of the Roman Empire in Western Europe.

What is depicted in the frieze on the Arch of Constantine? What is the name for this style of sculpture? How does it differ from earlier Roman art?

The frieze on the Arch of Constantine is a relief carving which depicts the Emperor receiving homage from the Senate. The figures show an aesthetic move away from the realism and attention to detail of earlier Roman works, and foreshadow the stylized forms seen in the Middle Ages.

Who was the greatest of all Roman poets? Which of his poems was to Roman literature what the Iliad and the Odyssey were to Greek literature?

Vergil, the greatest Roman poet, is best known for his work the Aeneid, a tale written in the tradition of the great Greek epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. This poem aimed to glorify the Roman Empire and create a heroic myth about its founders in much the same vein as the Greek works of Homer.