Thursday, September 11, 2014

A Tour Through Ancient Rome

The year 320 AD was the peak of the Roman Empire in urban development. As a result, massive archaeological structures were built. The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, atop the Capitoline Hill, was the main temple of Roman state cult. Further away from the Capitoline Hill lies the Palatine Hill, which became a palace where the emperor lived. Circus Maximus held chariot races, animals hunts, and parades. The daily lives of Romans were constituted by their social classes and professions. They were famous for their aqueducts such as Aqua Claudia to transfer water to all parts of the city by the sheer force of gravity. These aqueducts sent water to public fountains and baths such as the Baths of Trajan. 

Built by Vespasian, the Colosseum (or the Flavian Amphitheater to the Romans) was originally private property made into personal land under the rule of Nero. It reflected Roman society with its seating arrangement. The emperor and officials sat closest to the action when watching gladiator combats, animal hunts, and executions; behind them were the senators, wealthy businessmen, and then at the very top were the women, slaves, and foreigners. The largest temple of the state was the Temple of Venus and Rome, where two temples stood back-to-back. Venus's Temple faces the Colosseum depicting leisure; whereas Roma's Temple faces the Forum depicting a more serious side of Roman society.

The Forum had monuments honoring great men, various building which were used as courthouses, and a spacious yard to hold speeches and parades. The Pantheon was a massive temple created to celebrate Roman emperors and depicted advance archaeological structures, such as the rotunda and arches inside the Pantheon. 

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