At the heart of the Roman Forum

Today was our first day of the art history class and we covered a brief introduction to the Roman Imperial Families. Back then, Romans believed that any man could live forever through memory. This was why they had so many statues dedicated to their once-glorious leaders. With this in mind, our group took a lengthy—yet scenic—walk to the heart of the Roman Forum. It served as a marketplace during ancient times, and it was currently undergoing excavation. The ruinous place was laden with propaganda; monuments dedicated to the apotheosis of past leaders like Caesar contributed to the political deification of government leaders who would successively ascertain the throne. Not only would leaders like Augustus be worshipped by the plebes in prayer; their legacies would be remembered forever. However, memory of one’s existence could have also been forgotten through damnatio memoriae, a sentence prescribed by SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus, “The Senate and the People of Rome”). This resulted in the termination of any records on public monuments, street names, coin engravings, etc. To some Romans, non-existence was worse than death.

Rome in ruins.

We then walked towards the Arch of Titus. This marble monument was constructed by the Roman Emperor Domitian shortly after the death of his brother, Titus (it was rumored that Domitian killed his brother to usurp the throne). The Arch of Titus was meant to celebrate justified Roman triumphs. For example, war generals who have slain 5,000 men were to be given a triumph, and earned walk through the arch with their spoils of victory in hand.

In front of the Arch of Titus.

Our class took a quick picnic lunch break on Palatine Hill before heading off to the Colosseum. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this signature wonder of Rome seated many spectators from the city and beyond. The Romans cleverly used arches that were superimposed at right angles, which gave strength to their structure. People from all over Rome and beyond would come and watch entertaining events on the field below; many of which included gladiatorial matches where prisoners would train and fight for their lives. In fact, the field of the stadium was covered with sand to absorb the blood of the fallen. I was personally absorbed by the sheer ingenuity of the Romans and their architectural prowess. Their feats made me ponder: what can I contribute to society that would leave an eternal impact?

Inside the third level of the Colosseum.

COMMENTS

BLOGGER: 5
  1. Wow. It was very educational... But very nice photos :)

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  2. Oh the Romans, it's just like class again. =] That's really interesting how they purposefully covered the field with sand just to make clean up a little easier. =P Those are some pretty awesome pictures. Your contribution to society... =]

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  3. ah so jealous! i loveeee roman architecture!! and i'm loving your video posts :)

    and in response to this:
    "Their feats made me ponder: what can I contribute to society that would leave an eternal impact?"
    ..isn't there some quote about how you can change someone's life and you may never know it? that would be an eternal impact! :)

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  4. Well... isn't making one feel as though they never existed worse than being considered dead? I think so... hahaha.
    And you will contribute lots when you get back! =]
    you are even contributing when you are away across this large deep sea. however the what part... i do not know...

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  5. kinda makes me want go to this places after reading them makes you want to go there in person

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Points & Places: At the heart of the Roman Forum
At the heart of the Roman Forum
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Points & Places
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