Roman Civilization
The Roman civilization is regarded as one of the most significant ancient civilizations in the world. It heavily relied on slaves and serfs who worked diligently under the authority of the upper class, comprised of nobles and landlords. This ruling class largely ignored the plight of slaves and the impoverished, denying them both freedom and rights, similar to many ancient civilizations that feared the uprising of these oppressed groups. Romans held a low opinion of trade, viewing buying and selling, as well as negotiating prices, as unworthy endeavors that detracted from a person’s dignity.
Roman Monuments
The Romans paid significant attention to architecture, excelling in the construction of temples, plazas, theaters, and baths. Many of these structures remain as testament to their architectural prowess to this day. Among the most notable Roman monuments are:
- The Roman Theater: Located in central Amman, Jordan, this theater was constructed during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius between 169-177 AD. It can accommodate up to six thousand spectators. In front of the theater lies a public meeting space (Forum), surrounded on three sides by Corinthian columns.
- The Colosseum: Situated in Rome, Italy, the Colosseum is one of the largest amphitheaters built during the Roman Empire, accommodating between 45,000 and 50,000 people. Construction began under Emperor Vespasian and was completed during Emperor Titus’s rule, with further modifications made under Emperor Domitian. This arena hosted public spectacles, including gladiatorial contests.
- The Pompey Column: This monument in Alexandria, Egypt, is the last surviving remnant of the Serapeum temple built by Postumus to commemorate Emperor Diocletian. It stands amidst the historic Kom El Shuqafa area and the Muslim burial grounds, rising approximately 27 meters high and crafted from red granite.
- The Roman Theater in Alexandria: Located in the Kom el-Dikka area, this theater was constructed in the early fourth century AD. It features marble seating and five upper-tier boxes adorned with domes and columns.
- The City of Tipasa: As a significant archaeological site in Algeria, Tipasa is home to numerous Roman remains, including theaters, temples, and tombs.
- The Pantheon: Situated in Rome, construction of the Pantheon began during Emperor Trajan’s reign but was completed under Hadrian in 125 AD. The temple was built on the remnants of two earlier structures that had been destroyed by lightning and fire, and it was converted into a church in 608 AD.
- The Trajan Column: Erected to commemorate Emperor Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars, the column is a 38-meter high structure made of marble.
- The Temple of the Black Head: Discovered in Alexandria in 1936, this two-story temple features a lower floor for worship and an upper level for living quarters. Its facade, designed in Ionic style, includes four columns, with a corridor leading to a small square chamber.
- The Temple of Jupiter: Located in Baalbek, Lebanon, an important religious center known as Heliopolis, the temple was completed around 60 AD, making it the largest temple in the area.
- The Kom El Shuqafa Catacombs: Among the largest Roman burial grounds still in existence, these catacombs in Alexandria date back to the second century AD.
Roman Art
The Roman civilization is notable for its vast artistic contributions across various fields, influenced by the arts of other civilizations, such as the Greek, Etruscan, and Egyptian cultures. Some key areas where Romans excelled include:
- Painting: Roman painters innovated in landscape depictions, employing mediums such as wax or a tempera mixture made from egg yolks and pigments. They were particularly skilled in creating oil murals of varying sizes, with the frescoes from Herculaneum and Pompeii being among the finest examples of Roman painting that have survived.
- Sculpture: Roman sculpture can be categorized into four main types:
- Historical Reliefs: This includes busts and full statues, with significant examples like the statues of Trajan and Nero showcased in the British Museum and the statue of Titus located in the Vatican Museum.
- Funerary Reliefs: Representing tomb sculptures, these reliefs gained prominence as the Romans shifted from cremation to burial practices in sarcophagi, which came in three types: those made in Athens, Romania, and Phrygia.
- Copies of Ancient Greek Works: These replicas have helped preserve the history of Greek art, much of which has been lost over time, marking a significant contribution of Roman art to the overall art history.
- Mural and Mosaic Art: Roman influence from Eastern arts is evident in murals and mosaics. The Hagia Sophia serves as a stunning example of Roman artistry, showcasing intricate wall murals and mosaics along with exquisite domes, constructed by a workforce of ten thousand specialists.
A Celebration You May Not Want to Attend!
Have you often heard about the lively celebrations of Roman civilization? Do you ever wish you could live in their era? You might reconsider after watching this video: