Roman Art and Archaeology

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/roman-art-archaeology

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: Roman Art and Archaeology on Coursera **Course Overview:** If you have ever been captivated by the grandeur of ancient Rome, its rich history, and the stunning artistry that flourished through the ages, the Coursera course "Roman Art and Archaeology" is tailor-made for you. This immersive course aims to provide learners with a comprehensive overview of ancient Roman culture, stretching from approximately 1000 BCE to the infamous “Fall of Rome”. Through a detailed examination of key figures, events, and artistic developments, participants will explore not only the evolution of the city of Rome but also its vast expansion throughout Italy and the Mediterranean. **Course Structure:** The course is thoughtfully structured into five main modules: 1. **Introduction to 'Roman Art and Archaeology':** This module sets the stage by providing essential resources, an overview of the course objectives, and a brief on what learners can expect. It’s a perfect starting point for new students. 2. **The Early Romans and Their Ancestors (ca. 1000 - 500 BCE):** Here, you delve into the Early Iron Age. Participants learn about the sophisticated civilizations that predated Rome, such as the Villanovans and Etruscans, known for their remarkable artistry, particularly illustrated in the painted tombs of Tarquinia. 3. **The Roman Republic's Rise and Fall (509 - 31 BCE):** This module explores the transformation of Rome into a formidable power as it wrests independence from Etruscan dominance. By examining key figures like Julius Caesar and the socio-political tumult of the period, students gain insights into Rome’s cultural and military conquests fueled by a dynamic interaction with neighboring cultures, notably Greek influence. 4. **Augustus and the Early Roman Empire (31 BCE - 1st century CE):** Students explore the reign of Augustus, marking the transition from a republic to an empire. The module covers the complexities of ruling this vast empire, alongside the infamous leadership of his successors—both wise and despotic—allowing learners to witness the evolution of governance, art, and architecture. 5. **Rome at its Zenith (2nd century CE) and Crisis and Conclusion (3rd to 7th centuries CE):** The final modules highlight both the apogee and the decline of Roman civilization, reflecting on the "Five Good Emperors" and the eventual fragmentation of the empire. The discussions here underscore the socio-economic challenges and cultural transformations leading to the eventual decline while immortalizing the lasting legacy of Rome in subsequent empires. **Strengths of the Course:** - **Rich Content:** The course is replete with scholarly insights and resources that provide depth to the understanding of Roman art and archaeology. Each module is well-researched, engaging, and relevant. - **Visual Learning:** The use of visual aids, art history analysis, and archaeological evidence allows learners to appreciate the intricacies of Roman art forms and architectural splendors in real-world contexts. - **Expert Instruction:** The course is presented by knowledgeable instructors, providing a blend of academic rigor and contemplative insight. - **Community Engagement:** As a Coursera course, it fosters a community of learners, encouraging discussion and collaborative learning through forums where students can share insights and ask questions. **Recommendation:** I wholeheartedly recommend "Roman Art and Archaeology" for anyone interested in art history, archaeology, or the ancient world. Whether you’re a student, a lifelong learner, or simply an enthusiast eager to deepen your understanding of Roman heritage, this course offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the cultural dynamism of a civilization that has significantly influenced our world today. The knowledge gained from this course will serve not only academic purposes but will also enrich personal explorations of Roman heritage found in museums, historical sites, and literature. Engage with this course, and elevate your appreciation of one of history’s most remarkable civilizations!

Syllabus

Introduction to 'Roman Art and Archaeology'

Here you can find all of the introductory information, course syllabus, and helpful resources.

In the Early Iron Age (ca. 1000 BCE), civilization in Italy was rather simple. The most sophisticated cultures in the peninsula were not the Romans at all, but rather groups to the north of Rome who have come to be called The Villanovans, who exploited the metal resources of northern Italy even before the officially noted founding of Rome. Later the Etruscans would appear (ca. 800 BCE), Rome's first great rivals. The Etruscans were a loose confederation of city-states north of Rome who even expanded into Rome and further south, as far as Pompeii. The Etruscans are particularly noted for their magnificent art, in particular the glorious painted tombs of Tarquinia.

Having thrown off the Etruscans in 509 BCE., Rome emerged as independent Latin community that quickly became known for its disciplined army and militaristic intentions. As the Romans expanded throughout the Mediterranean, it came into contact with various cultures, all who had an influence on the young power, especially Greek culture, art, and architecture. By the end of this period Rome may have grown to a million people. The first century BCE. was a time of amazing development in many fields of artistic endeavor, but it was also a time of civil unrest as soldiers became more loyal to their commanders than to the state. Leaders such as Sulla, Marius, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and others took advantage of this turmoil, which culminated with the powerful influence of the decadent Egyptian charmer Cleopatra and the emergence of Octavian.

Augustus - formerly known as Octavian - set the tone for the next major phase of Rome: the Roman empire. His family-related successors, the Julio-Claudians, would continue his rule. Yet none of his successors had the charisma or vision of Augustus himself, and some such as Caligula and Nero have become synonymous with profligacy and decadence of an extreme nature. By the year 69 CE. Rome was in chaos. But the emperor Vespasian restored order and dignity - not to mention humility - to the office, and instituted his own dynasty, the Flavians. Unfortunately, Vespasian's second son, Domitian, brought his Flavian dynasty to an end through dreadful administration. Domitian was murdered in 96 CE.

Rome is said to have reached its zenith in security and expansion during the period of the "Five Good Emperors" (96 to 180 CE.). The time of Trajan (98 to 117 CE.) was a particular epoch of conquest and building, highlighted by the construction of Trajan's Markets and enormous Forum, the ruins of which still dominate the center of Rome. Trajan's successor, Hadrian, was a horse of a different color. He was himself an architect obsessed with circles, squares, spheres, and cubes. And his fondness for Greek art bordered on manic.

What does it mean to talk about the fall of Rome? The far-flung empire collapsed in varying degrees in different places at different times. In the fourth century enormous earthquakes caused such devastation that in the Roman east the whole fabric of ancient religious belief was called into question. In central Italy along the Tiber River an epidemic of malaria, a virulent new-mutated strain from North Africa, left many dead. The legacy of Rome, however, continued into the Carolingian and Byzantine empires. And yet the city of Rome underwent a major revival in the later Middle Ages, continuing through the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Romantic Periods, playing a major role in the foundation of our own country.