Imperial Rome: Society, Art, and Trade Part 2

Imperial Rome: Society, Art, and Trade Part 2

Roman V Greek Art

The Greeks have been described as idealistic, imaginative and spiritual while the Romans were slighted for being too closely bound to the world they saw in front of them. The Greeks produced the Olympics and great works of art while the Romans devised gladiator contests and copied Greek art.

In the Aeneid Virgil, a Roman, wrote:

The Greeks shape bronze statues so real they

they seem to breathe. And craft cold marble until it almost comes to life. The Greeks compose great orations. and measure The heavens so well they can predict the rising of the stars. But you, Romans, remember your great arts; To govern the peoples with authority. To establish peace under the rule of law. To conquer the mighty, and show them mercy once they are conquered.

Iran-rooted Mithraism was popular in the Roman Empire

Architecture

If you were to look at buildings in our nation's capital or even your state's capital, you would notice many of them have columns and arches. You may even have an arched wall in your house. Although the Romans used Greek columns on their buildings, they came up with the idea of arches as a way to support more weight, which allowed them to construct larger buildings.

Trade During Augustus (Yes him again)

One fact which had a major impact on trade was the system of grain fleets which carried grain from Egypt and North Africa to Rome, to feed the population of the capital. This was set up by the emperor Augustus, so that the Roman poor – hundreds of thousands of them – could get free bread each day.

Satunalia

Honouring the God of Saturn on the 17th of December to the 23rd, Saturnalia was known to be the most anticipated and popular festival of the year. All work was suspended and role reversal occurred, meaning that slaves were given freedom to say or do whatever they pleased, and their masters had to serve them. 

Floralia

This ancient pagan festival saw temples covered in exotic flowers and citizens with floral wreaths in their hair. Honouring the Goddess Flora, the 27th of April marked the beginning of a 6 day events which was signified by the Ludi Florae; a series of games held to appease the Goddess.

Open Ended

Where did Lupercalia originate? Who was it to pay respects to?