p.11
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What is the Ara Pacis Augustae?
A monumental altar dedicated to Augustus, vowed in 13 BCE and dedicated in 9 BCE.
p.1
The Roman Forum and Its Significance
What was the purpose of the Roman Forum?
It served as a market and meeting place in the heart of cities and towns under Roman rule.
p.15
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is an impluvium?
A shallow pool in the atrium to collect rainwater.
p.11
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What practice continued into the Empire regarding narrative reliefs?
The commissioning of narrative reliefs to record specific events.
p.3
Influence of Greek Art on Roman Art
What architectural elements show Greek influence in the Temple of Jupiter?
Rectilinear forms, use of columns, and a gabled roof.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is the keystone in an arch?
The last stone laid that locks in the other arch stones (voussoirs).
p.8
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
Who became the principal patrons of public art and architecture in Rome?
The emperor and his family.
p.6
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What animals are depicted being escorted for sacrifice in the reliefs?
A bull, a sheep, and a pig.
p.18
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is the name of the wall painting style found in the Ixion Room of the House of the Vettii?
Fourth Style wall painting.
p.9
Historical Overview of the Roman Republic and Empire
When did Augustus win power and become emperor?
Won power in 31 BCE and became emperor in 27 BCE.
p.9
Historical Overview of the Roman Republic and Empire
What was a key aspect of Augustus' foreign policy?
Cautiously expansionist, keeping costs in treasure and lives low.
p.2
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
Which architectural styles influenced Roman builders?
Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles.
p.8
Historical Overview of the Roman Republic and Empire
What was the extent of the Roman Empire at its largest under Trajan?
It stretched through most of Europe, northern England, much of the Middle East, and coastal North Africa.
p.15
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What event preserved the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum?
The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.
p.13
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
Who is credited with the design of Trajan's Column?
Apollodorus, Trajan's military architect.
p.9
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
How did Augustus influence the portraiture of his successors?
His successors' portraits resembled him to draw authority, despite rare blood relations.
p.19
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is the significance of the Ixion Room in the House of the Vettii?
It combines imitation marble paneling, framed mythological scenes, and fantastic architectural vistas.
p.7
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What values did the Romans pride themselves on?
Connection to the land and rural values.
p.2
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What was a significant feature of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus?
It stood on a high masonry platform with steps leading up to the façade.
p.8
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
What style did Augustus choose for his portraits?
A more Hellenizing style, depicting him as an ageless youth.
p.4
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What architectural features were present at the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia?
A temple, a basilica, and a senate house at the bottom, with upper terraces rising around a central axis.
p.9
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What title was awarded to Augustus by the Roman Senate?
Pater Patriae (Father of His Country).
p.19
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What themes are depicted in the rites associated with the Dionysiac mysteries?
Initiation into womanhood or marriage, conducted in the presence of Dionysos and Ariadne.
p.12
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What message was Augustus intent on promoting through the panels?
The message of peace, contrasting with the civil wars.
p.8
Syncretism in Roman Art and Culture
How did Roman institutions interact with indigenous ones?
They mingled, leading to a degree of homogenization across the Roman world.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What surrounds the garden in the House of the Vettii?
A colonnade, known as the peristyle.
p.3
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is the Temple of Portunus often misnamed?
Temple of Fortuna Virilis.
p.19
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What was the role of paintings in Roman homes according to recent scholarship?
They affected experience, dictated movement, and expressed the owner's status.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is true fresco (buon fresco)?
Painting with water-based colored pigments directly onto fresh, still-damp plaster.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
Who distinguished the four phases of Pompeian wall painting?
The late nineteenth-century German art historian August Mau.
p.13
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
How does the relief on Trajan's Column compare to earlier visual narratives?
It is the most ambitious composition in terms of the number of figures and narrative density.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What innovation did Second Style painters introduce?
They opened up the flat expanse of the wall by including architectural features and figures to suggest a fantasy realm.
p.3
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What significant feature does the Temple of Jupiter have?
Three parallel cellas for cult statues of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
p.9
Influence of Greek Art on Roman Art
What does the Primaporta Augustus exemplify in Roman art?
The tendency to express messages through references to earlier works.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is the significance of the atrium in the House of the Vettii?
It serves as a central space around which other rooms, like bedrooms, are grouped.
p.19
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What characterized the Third Style of Roman wall decoration?
Abandonment of illusionism in favor of solid planes of intense colors like black and red.
p.12
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What do the continuous procession friezes on the north and south sides portray?
Members of the imperial family, priests, and senators.
p.2
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
Who commissioned works of architecture and sculpture during the Republic and Empire?
Magistrates and emperors.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What defines a mural?
A painted image made on or attached to a particular wall.
p.1
Influence of Greek Art on Roman Art
How did Roman art draw from Greek styles?
Much of Roman public art was heavily influenced by Greek styles.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is fresco?
A specific wall-painting technique favored in Italy from Roman times through the eighteenth century.
p.13
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
How are individual scenes presented on Trajan's Column?
They merge into a continuous whole, with chief figures appearing multiple times.
p.3
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is concrete made of?
A mixture of mortar and pieces of aggregate such as tufa, limestone, or brick.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is a groin vault?
A vault formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults, favored in Roman architecture.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is the significance of the bay in architecture?
It is the area enclosed within four corner piers.
p.5
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
How did Roman sculpture differ from Greek sculpture?
Roman sculpture represented actual events, while Greek sculpture often disguised historical events in mythical contexts.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is the Fourth, or Intricate, Style known for?
A more extravagant painterly style showcasing a range of decorative idioms.
p.10
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What are the key virtues of Stoicism as expressed by Marcus Aurelius?
Enduring sacrifice and hardship for the sake of moral principle.
p.18
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
In which historical site is the Ixion Room located?
House of the Vettii in Pompeii.
p.14
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What challenges do viewers face when interpreting the Forum of Trajan's narrative?
The upper spirals are hard to make out, and an encircling motion is required to view them properly.
p.13
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What is Trajan's Column known for?
Its sheer scale and role as a belvedere, making it a world wonder.
p.14
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
How did the designer of Trajan's Column enhance the visibility of important scenes?
By aligning important scenes on the cardinal axes of the column.
p.12
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What does the relief at the east end depict?
The goddess Roma seated on her weapons and a female figure embodying peace.
p.1
The Roman Forum and Its Significance
What was the significance of the Capitoline Hill?
It was the highest hill and the religious center of the city from earliest times.
p.14
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What materials were prominently used in the construction of the Forum of Trajan?
Colored marbles and abundant sculpture.
p.4
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What were the advantages of using concrete in Roman construction?
It was strong, cheap, and could be worked by relatively unskilled laborers.
p.15
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
How did local climates influence Roman domestic architecture?
Houses differed from one region to another to cater to local climates.
p.11
Syncretism in Roman Art and Culture
What do the relief panels on the east and west sides of the Ara Pacis represent?
Personifications or gods, and figures from Rome's history.
p.19
Influence of Greek Art on Roman Art
How did Roman painters often create their works?
By using copybooks or adapting images from Greek originals.
p.12
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What does the Column of Trajan commemorate?
Trajan's military accomplishments.
p.3
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What was the catalyst for dramatic changes in Roman architecture?
The development of concrete.
p.19
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
What characterized the portrait sculptures during the Late Empire?
A harsh, soldierly quality intended to appeal to the military.
p.12
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is a triumphal arch?
A wide, round-arched, free-standing gateway celebrating a victor or benefactor.
p.8
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What significant event is associated with Augustus' breastplate?
The diplomatic victory in 20 BCE when the Parthians returned standards.
p.6
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
What characteristics are emphasized in the veristic portraits of Roman figures?
Wrinkles, distinguishing marks like warts, and a realistic depiction of age.
p.10
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
Who was the founder of Stoicism, which influenced Marcus Aurelius?
Zeno, a fourth-century Greek philosopher.
p.14
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What type of scenes are commonly repeated in the relief of Trajan's Column?
Formulaic scenes such as sacrifice scenes, the emperor addressing troops, and soldiers constructing forts.
p.7
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
What qualities did age convey in Roman portraiture?
Responsibility and experience, important for winning votes for political office.
p.13
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What does the continuous narrative relief on Trajan's Column celebrate?
Emperor Trajan's victorious campaigns against the Dacians.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What distinguishes Roman arches from Gothic arches?
Roman arches are semicircular, while Gothic arches are pointed.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is a tablinum?
The principal reception room in a Roman house where family records were kept.
p.14
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What was the significance of the Dacian Wars as depicted in the Forum of Trajan?
They were portrayed as bringing great benefit to Rome, serving as visual propaganda.
p.3
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What distinguishes Roman temples from Greek temples?
High podium and emphatic frontal access.
p.15
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What should scholars be cautious about regarding Roman houses?
The concept of a 'typical' Roman house.
p.1
Syncretism in Roman Art and Culture
What is syncretism in the context of Roman art?
It refers to the blending of diverse elements to create something new, reflecting a Roman attitude.
p.8
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What does the contrapposto stance in Augustus' statue signify?
It evokes classical references and strengthens Augustus' claim to authority.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is dry fresco (secco)?
Pigments painted on dry plaster, less durable than true fresco.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What characterizes the First, or Incrustation, Style?
The wall is painted to imitate masonry blocks, with no figured scenes.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is the focus of the Second, or Architectural, Style?
Illusionistic architectural vistas.
p.10
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
Why did the gilded bronze portrait of Marcus Aurelius survive the medieval period?
Because Christians misidentified it as Constantine the Great, champion of Christianity.
p.10
The Role of Emperors as Patrons of Art
What philosophical ideas are reflected in the writings of Marcus Aurelius?
Stoic philosophy, emphasizing impassive detachment and moral principle.
p.4
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia known for?
It is a masterpiece of concrete construction located in Palestrina, Italy.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is the purpose of centering in arch construction?
It serves as a temporary wooden scaffold over which arches are constructed.
p.15
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What role did the atrium serve in Roman houses?
It was where Romans kept ancestral portraits.
p.11
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
Where were narrative reliefs typically mounted?
On public buildings and monuments, such as the Ara Pacis and the Arch of Titus.
p.6
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What do the sculptural reliefs from the statue base depict?
A sea thiasos and a census.
p.12
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What significant event might the friezes be recording?
A sacrifice or the moment of the altar's dedication.
p.13
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What aspect of the Dacian campaigns receives more attention in the relief?
Geographic and logistic aspects rather than combat.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is a barrel vault?
A continuous arch built on the principle of the semicircular arch.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What was the client-patron relationship in Roman society?
Clients routinely visited their patrons in their homes, reflecting social dynamics.
p.10
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What artistic technique is emphasized in Roman portraits from the second half of the second century CE?
A strong play of light and shadow deep into the marble.
p.8
Iconography in Roman Art
What does the figure of Cupid on Augustus' statue symbolize?
Augustus' claim of descent from the goddess Venus.
p.10
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What is notable about the eyes in portraits from this period?
They have heavy lids that lend a remote quality.
p.5
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What event is depicted in the reliefs that likely decorated a base for a statue group?
A census ceremony where individuals recorded their property with the state.
p.1
The Roman Forum and Its Significance
Where was the first Roman Forum located?
In a marshy valley between the Palatine and Capitoline hills.
p.14
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What was the purpose of the Forum of Trajan?
To serve as a backdrop for civic and religious functions and to curry favor with the populace.
p.2
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What was the first truly monumental building of Rome?
The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.
p.13
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What significant event begins the narrative on Trajan's Column?
The Roman army crossing the Danube to reach Dacian territory.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What are the extrados and intrados of an arch?
The extrados is the outside curve, and the intrados is the inside curve of the arch.
p.6
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What period do the sculptural reliefs date back to?
Late second to early first century BCE.
p.14
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What was the primary purpose of the amphitheater constructed by Vespasian?
To host gladiatorial games central to Roman entertainment.
p.13
Narrative Reliefs and Commemorative Monuments
What makes understanding the narrative on Trajan's Column complicated?
The need to turn around the column to follow the sequence.
p.19
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
What features were common in imperial portraits during the Late Empire?
Short cropped hair, beards, furrowed brows, and careworn features.
p.10
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
How did Roman portraits change in the second half of the second century CE?
They gradually took on a more abstract quality, especially in the treatment of the eyes.
p.19
Syncretism in Roman Art and Culture
What distinguishes SATYRS from SILENI in Greek mythology?
SATYRS are phallic, goatish beings, while SILENI are older, usually bald, and always bearded.
p.10
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What gesture is Marcus Aurelius depicted making in his equestrian statue?
An outstretched arm in a gesture of mercy.
p.9
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What role did hairstyles play in dating female portraits?
Hairstyles changed rapidly, providing clues for dating the portraits.
p.4
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
How did Roman builders mold concrete into various shapes?
By constructing wooden frameworks into which the concrete would be poured.
p.9
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What was significant about Domitia Longina's hairstyle?
It reflected her status and allowed exploration of texture contrasts in sculpture.
p.4
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What was the function of the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia?
It served as an oracular center where priests interpreted divine will by drawing lots.
p.6
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What two figures flank the altar in the reliefs?
A statue of Mars, the god of war, and the officiating censor.
p.5
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
Why is barrel vaulting usually supported by heavy walls or buttresses?
Because it exerts enormous pressure both outward and downward.
p.12
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What is the definition of a monumental altar?
A large and grand marble or stone structure built to honor a divinity.
p.6
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What does the marriage procession in the reliefs represent?
The marriage of the sea-god Neptune and the sea-nymph Amphitrite.
p.6
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
How do the styles of the census relief and the sea thiasos relief differ?
The census relief is static, while the sea thiasos relief has swirling motion and Hellenistic forms.
p.5
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What is historical relief in Roman sculpture?
A form of sculpture that commemorates specific events, often not historically accurate.
p.10
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What is a common feature of male portraits from the second and third centuries CE?
They are typically bearded.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
How did Roman houses typically maintain privacy?
Walls facing the street usually did not have windows, but they were not particularly private as rooms were often used as shops.
p.15
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What does the preservation of Roman houses in places like Morocco and Jordan indicate?
The durability of Roman domestic construction.
p.12
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What architectural feature does the Column of Trajan include?
A spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform.
p.4
Architectural Innovations: The Concrete Revolution
What does the design of the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia aim to enhance for visitors?
It controlled and heightened the visitor's experience.
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What characterizes the First Style of Pompeian wall painting?
Artists used paint and stucco to imitate expensive colored marble paneling.
p.1
Influence of Greek Art on Roman Art
What led to the influx of Greek art and culture into Rome?
The Roman domination of Greece and Asia Minor during the second century BCE.
p.10
Sculptural Traditions in Republican and Imperial Rome
What does the raised front leg of the horse in the statue symbolize?
It once rested on a conquered barbarian.
p.1
Historical Overview of the Roman Republic and Empire
What significant changes occurred around 509 BCE in Rome?
The Roman elite expelled the last king and established a Republic.
p.19
Historical Overview of the Roman Republic and Empire
Who restored imperial authority after a period of civil war?
Diocletian (r. 284-305 CE).
p.16
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What is the significance of the Villa of the Mysteries in relation to wall painting?
It features rich mottled colors on the walls to resemble exotic stone, dating from about 60 to 50 BCE.
p.6
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
What custom began in the early Republic regarding statues?
Honoring political or military figures by displaying their statues, often in the Roman Forum.
p.17
Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting in Roman Homes
What does the Third, or Ornate, Style emphasize?
A delicate decorative scheme concentrating on formal ornament.
p.6
Portraiture and Its Political Implications
What are two possible origins for the Roman practice of producing likenesses?
Greek custom of votive statues and Italic practice of storing ancestral masks.
