Aurelian

Definition

Aurelian was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 270 to 275 CE, known for his efforts to restore the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the empire through military victories and economic reforms, which had a significant impact on art production and imperial portraiture of the time, reflecting the renewed strength and unity of Rome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aurelian is often credited with the reunification of the Roman Empire after it had fractured into several competing states during the Crisis of the Third Century.
2. He implemented economic reforms that stabilized currency and trade, allowing for an increase in artistic production as resources became more available.
3. Under Aurelian, imperial portraiture evolved to reflect not only authority but also divine favor, with more emphasis on idealized features and powerful imagery.
4. He is known for his construction projects in Rome, including the Aurelian Walls, which enhanced the city's defenses and symbolized strength.
5. Aurelian's military successes against external enemies were celebrated in art and public monuments, reinforcing his status as a savior of Rome.

Review Questions

• How did Aurelian's military actions during his reign influence artistic production in the Roman Empire?
  • Aurelian's military victories were pivotal in restoring stability to the Roman Empire, which allowed for a resurgence in artistic production. As he reunited fragmented territories, artists responded by creating works that celebrated his achievements and emphasized imperial strength. This reflected a broader trend where art served as propaganda to reinforce Aurelian's authority and connect him with divine favor.
• In what ways did Aurelian's reforms impact imperial portraiture and its role in political propaganda?
  • Aurelian's reforms significantly impacted imperial portraiture by shifting its focus toward idealized depictions that conveyed both power and divinity. His emphasis on projecting an image of strength and stability influenced artists to create portraits that highlighted heroic qualities. This change was a direct response to the need for propaganda that reassured the populace of a restored and unified Rome following years of crisis.
• Evaluate Aurelian's contributions to both military strategy and cultural identity in relation to the broader context of Roman art during his reign.
  • Aurelian's contributions were instrumental not only in military strategy but also in shaping cultural identity through art. By successfully reuniting the empire, he reinforced a narrative of strength that permeated artistic expressions. The resulting artwork from his reign, characterized by militaristic themes and divine imagery, was not just propaganda but also served to unify Roman citizens under a shared identity, ultimately influencing how future emperors would represent themselves through art.

Related terms

Crisis of the Third Century: A period of political, military, and economic turmoil in the Roman Empire from 235 to 284 CE, marked by a rapid succession of emperors and external invasions.

Colossal Statue of Aurelian: A massive statue created during Aurelian's reign that symbolizes his strength and the restoration of imperial authority in Rome.

Militarism in Art: An artistic trend during the late Roman Empire that emphasized military themes and heroic imagery in sculpture and other art forms as propaganda to convey power.