Roman artistic legacy shaped Western art in profound ways. Artistic innovations: realistic portraiture, trompe l'oeil wall painting; architectural innovations: amphitheater, circus, multi-seat latrine, steam-heated bath. Explore Roman art and architecture throughout Mediterranean from late Republic to early fourth century AD. Emphasis on social and cultural contexts. Study major technical and aesthetic innovations, and impact of Roman emperors as art patrons. Class lectures and readings arranged both chronologically and thematically, with case studies of archaeology of Pompeii, Athens, Aphrodisias in Turkey.
Classical Studies