Between the Etruscans on the north and the Greek culture on the south, a city-state was established that was to grow to dominate the Western World for seven centuries. In the lands that the Romans conquered they brought their laws, religion, customs, the Latin language and their superb ability to organize. They developed a literary system that allowed a detailed record-keeping of history.
The Romans had a great admiration for Classical Greece and imported Greek original art. They also copied the artistic characteristics of Greek perfection and Etruscan realism. After the conquest of Greece in 146 BC, sculptures and paintings were shipped to Italy. The beauty and perfection of Classical Greek Art inspired Roman artists, but later in Roman periods, they created new styles.
Much of the Art produced honored Emperors and their greatness. Art was a display and celebration of triumphal moments of leadership. Rome became a city of re-designing and re-modeling that would change the perspective of man for hundreds of years.
The Romans Studies
Pompeii – Vesuvius
Pompeii and Herculaneum, along with other villas in the surrounding area were buried with 13-20 ft. of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.Read study →
What is a Gladiator ?
A Gladiator or 'swordsman' was an armed combatant who entertained audiences in violent confrontations with other Gladiators, wild animals and condemned criminals.Read study →
Visit the Colosseum
The grandest of all Roman structures is the Colosseum-72 AD. It is a double theater or amphitheater having two tiers placed face to face.Read study →
Let’s go to the Circus Maximas
The Circus Maximas - built in the 6th century, was an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium.Read study →
A Look at Roman Architecture
The Romans made their greatest contribution to art in their architecture. At first they borrowed styles, but soon a combination of these emerged that was uniquely called 'Roman'.Read study →
Art Activity – Historical Relief Collage
In this activity you will look at the Roman Relief and create a Collage telling a modern day historical event as the Romans did in their stone reliefs.Read study →