Roman Symbols of Power Flashcards
What happened in Augustus when we was 19?
Julius Caesar was assassinated by Brutus and Cassius, and Octavian was made his adopted son and heir. Swore to avenge father’s death.
What happened after Julius Caesar’s death?
Mark Antony tried to control the state with Caesar’s army. Octavian donated his troops to senate’s army, and they won. He wanted to be made consul as reward, but they refused. He marched with army, and was given consulship under guidance of Cicero
Definition of consul.
The most important public official in Rome after the emperor; two consul were elected annually.
What was the Triumvirate? What did they do?
Alliance with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus and Augustus, combining armies. Defeated Brutus and Cassius (committed suicide)
How did Augustus get rid of Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus?
Lepidus accused of inciting revolt and was exiled.
Mark Antony’s will stated he left everything to Cleopatra and his children by her. Defeated them in Battle. Of Actium.
What were Augustus’ goals in his sculpture?
Recreate golden age of architecture.
Pax Romana
Pax Deorum
Self and Family Promotion
Date and Commission by for Augustus of Prima Porta?
20BC—15AD
The senate in honour of Augustus
Material and Original Location of Augustus of Prima Porta?
Marble
Livia’s villa in Prima Porta
Significance of Augustus of Prima Porta?
Example of how Augustus wished to be seen by the Roman people.
What was the Prima Porta based on? Why?
Doryphorus. Depiction of ideal man.
How does the Prima Porta differ from the Doryphorus?
Right arm raised as general/emperor uses to address army
Breastplate and senatorial toga — breastplate had gods including Apollo (Augustus’ patron god), Artemis, Tellus (Mother Earth) holding cornucopia, and other gods.
Standards on breastplate — first lost by Crassus, another by Mark Antony. Iberia’s negotiated peace with the Parthians and standards returned.
Statue of Cupid — sits on dolphin, son of Venus, linking him to Aeneas.
Bare feet — only gods had bare feet
Definition of Hispania?
A Roman province covering the area of Spain
Date and Comissioned by of the Ara Pacis?
9 BC
The Senate to honour Augustus’ return from Hispania and Gaul.
Material and Original location of the Ara Pacis?
Marble
Northeastern corner of the Campus Martius
Significance of the Ara Pacis?
Decorative friezes depict Augustus’ ideal of Roman civil religion
What was carved on the altar of the Ara Pacis?
Scenes related to the sacrifice that took place on it. Semi-nude slaves leading sacrificial beasts.
What was carved on the enclosure wall of the Ara Pacis?
Scenes linking Augustan family to founding of Rome and Rome’s important gods.
Northern and Southern walls depict procession taking place to Ara Pacis before annual sacrifice. Similar to frieze on Parthenon showing Panathenaic procession
What does the northern frieze show on the Ara Pacis?
Religious procession to Ara Pacis of senators and priests. One carries jug and incense box, used in sacrifice. Laurel leaves. Some veiled heads. Floral patterns at bottom.
What does the southern frieze show on the Ara Pacis?
Imperial family on far right — wife Livia, lead general Agrippa, nephews Lucius and Gaius Caesar, Tiberius Livia’s son. Proceeded by priests, identified by their caps.
What are the two interpretations of the west frieze?
Aeneas offers sacrifice in front of Ascanius (Iulus). Penates are housed on hill behind him.
Numa Pompilius , the second king of Rome. Built temple of Janus. When at war, doors left open, when at peace, doors left closed. Augustus boasts he closed the doors of the temple.
