🏛️Greek and Roman Cities Unit 10 – Art & Architecture: Greek & Roman Cities

Key Concepts & Terminology

• Agora open public space in ancient Greek cities served as a gathering place for political, social, and commercial activities
• Forum central public space in ancient Roman cities functioned as a marketplace and center for public life (similar to the Greek agora)
• Acropolis fortified citadel located on a hill in ancient Greek cities, often containing important religious buildings and temples (Parthenon)
• Basilica large public building in ancient Roman cities used for various purposes, including legal proceedings, commercial activities, and religious gatherings
  • Typically rectangular in shape with a central nave and aisles separated by columns
• Stoa long, covered walkway or portico in ancient Greek architecture, often used as a public gathering space or marketplace
• Cardo and Decumanus main north-south (cardo) and east-west (decumanus) streets in a Roman city, intersecting at the forum
• Hippodamian plan grid-like urban layout named after the ancient Greek architect Hippodamus of Miletus, characterized by straight streets and rectangular city blocks
• Triumphal arch monumental structure in ancient Roman cities, built to commemorate military victories or significant events (Arch of Constantine)

Historical Context

• Greek city-states emerged during the Archaic period (8th-6th centuries BCE), with each polis developing its own unique character and identity
• The Classical period (5th-4th centuries BCE) saw the height of Greek civilization, marked by significant cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements
  • Athens became a major cultural center during this time, known for its democracy, philosophy, and art
• The Hellenistic period (323-31 BCE) followed the conquests of Alexander the Great, leading to the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the Mediterranean and Near East
• The Roman Republic (509-27 BCE) expanded its territory through military conquests, absorbing and adapting elements of Greek culture
• The Roman Empire (27 BCE-476 CE) saw the continuation and further development of Roman art and architecture, with the influence of Greek styles and techniques
  • The Pax Romana (27 BCE-180 CE) was a period of relative peace and stability that allowed for significant urban growth and development
• The decline of the Western Roman Empire (395-476 CE) led to the gradual abandonment and deterioration of many Roman cities and structures

Urban Planning & Layout

• Ancient Greek cities often developed organically, with irregular street patterns and densely packed housing
  • Some cities, like Miletus, adopted the Hippodamian plan, featuring a grid-like layout with rectangular city blocks
• Greek cities typically centered around the agora, which served as a gathering place for political, social, and commercial activities
  • The agora was often surrounded by important public buildings, such as stoas, temples, and government structures
• Roman cities were carefully planned, with a focus on order, symmetry, and functionality
  • The cardo and decumanus formed the main axes of the city, intersecting at the forum
• The forum served as the heart of Roman public life, surrounded by important buildings like temples, basilicas, and government offices
  • Marketplaces, public baths, and entertainment venues were also common features of Roman cities
• Roman cities often incorporated defensive walls and gates, as well as infrastructure such as aqueducts, sewers, and roads
  • The Roman road network facilitated trade, communication, and military movement throughout the empire

Architectural Styles & Innovations

• Greek architecture emphasized harmony, proportion, and balance, with a focus on the ideal human form
  • The three main architectural orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) were characterized by distinct column styles and proportions
• Greek temples were typically rectangular, with a columned portico and a gabled roof
  • The Parthenon in Athens is a prime example of Doric architecture, featuring a series of sculpted metopes and friezes
• Roman architecture adapted and expanded upon Greek styles, incorporating new materials and construction techniques
  • The use of concrete and the arch allowed for the creation of larger, more complex structures (Pantheon)
• Roman temples often followed a similar layout to Greek temples but incorporated elements like the raised podium and a more pronounced front portico
• The Romans developed new architectural forms, such as the basilica, triumphal arch, and amphitheater (Colosseum)
  • These structures served various purposes, from public gatherings and legal proceedings to entertainment and commemorative functions

Famous Structures & Monuments

• The Parthenon (Athens, Greece) an iconic Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, featuring elaborate sculptural decorations
• The Erechtheion (Athens, Greece) an Ionic temple known for its unique design and the famous "Porch of the Caryatids"
• The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens, Greece) one of the largest temples in the ancient world, construction began in the 6th century BCE but was not completed until the 2nd century CE under Roman rule
• The Pantheon (Rome, Italy) a massive concrete dome and temple dedicated to all the gods, a testament to Roman engineering and design
• The Colosseum (Rome, Italy) an amphitheater that could seat up to 50,000 spectators, used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles
• The Forum Romanum (Rome, Italy) the central public space in ancient Rome, surrounded by important government buildings, temples, and monuments
• The Arch of Constantine (Rome, Italy) a triumphal arch commemorating the victory of Constantine I over Maxentius in 312 CE, featuring intricate sculptural reliefs
• The Library of Celsus (Ephesus, Turkey) a monumental library built in the 2nd century CE, known for its ornate two-story façade and symbolic statuary

Cultural & Social Significance

• Greek and Roman cities served as centers of cultural, intellectual, and artistic exchange
  • The agora and forum provided spaces for public discourse, debates, and philosophical discussions
• Religious festivals and ceremonies were an integral part of city life, with processions and rituals taking place in temples and public spaces
  • The Panathenaic Festival in Athens honored the goddess Athena and included athletic contests, musical performances, and a grand procession to the Acropolis
• Public entertainment, such as plays, musical performances, and sporting events, played a significant role in the social fabric of Greek and Roman cities
  • The Theater of Dionysus in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome were important venues for these activities
• The construction of monumental buildings and public works projects was a way for rulers and wealthy patrons to display their power, wealth, and cultural sophistication
  • The Parthenon and the Pantheon are examples of such projects, which served to enhance the prestige and influence of their respective cities
• The layout and architecture of Greek and Roman cities reflected the social hierarchies and values of their societies
  • The prominence of public spaces and buildings emphasized the importance of civic participation and collective identity

Artistic Elements & Decoration

• Greek art and architecture were characterized by a focus on idealized human forms, naturalistic representation, and harmonious proportions
  • Sculptural decorations on temples and public buildings often depicted mythological scenes, battles, and important historical events
• The Parthenon frieze is a prime example of Greek sculptural art, featuring a continuous band of relief carvings depicting the Panathenaic procession
• Roman art and architecture incorporated elements of Greek style but also developed a more realistic and expressive approach
  • Roman sculpture often portrayed individuals with greater realism and psychological depth, as seen in portraits of emperors and notable figures
• The use of mosaics and frescoes was widespread in Roman art, adorning the floors and walls of public buildings, private homes, and villas
  • The mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily depict scenes from daily life, mythology, and exotic animals, showcasing the wealth and sophistication of the Roman elite
• Architectural decoration in both Greek and Roman cities often served symbolic and propagandistic purposes
  • The reliefs on the Arch of Constantine, for example, celebrate the emperor's military victories and legitimize his rule through visual narratives and allusions to earlier imperial triumphs

Legacy & Influence

• The art and architecture of ancient Greek and Roman cities have had a lasting impact on Western civilization
  • The principles of harmony, proportion, and balance in Greek architecture influenced the development of Neoclassical style in the 18th and 19th centuries
• Roman engineering and construction techniques, such as the use of concrete and the arch, laid the foundation for future architectural innovations
  • The dome of the Pantheon served as an inspiration for many later buildings, including the United States Capitol and the Jefferson Memorial
• The idea of the public forum as a center of civic life has influenced the design of cities and public spaces throughout history
  • Many modern cities feature central squares or plazas that serve a similar function to the ancient agora and forum (Trafalgar Square in London, Times Square in New York City)
• The enduring beauty and technical achievements of Greek and Roman art and architecture continue to inspire and inform artists, architects, and scholars to this day
  • The study of classical art and architecture remains an important part of many educational curricula, providing insights into the cultures, values, and aesthetics of these ancient civilizations
• The legacy of Greek and Roman urbanism extends beyond the physical structures and layouts of their cities
  • The social, cultural, and political institutions that developed within these urban contexts have shaped the way we think about citizenship, governance, and public life in the modern world