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Modern adaptations of Ancient Rome are numerous and common in contemporary art, architecture, and technology. Multiple examples are presented in the following online source Traces of Ancient Rome in the Modern World. Please read the article and provide two examples of specific modern or contemporary re-uses of Roman art, architecture, or technological adaptations. Provide a specific name rather than a general idea. A references from the textbook MLA style
ARTICLE
Leveled
32
4
Traces of Ancient Rome in the Modern World
The ideas and culture of ancient Rome influence the art, architecture, science, technology, literature, language, and law of today.
Grades
3 – 12
Subjects
Anthropology,
Arch
aeology, Social Studies, World History
Image
Pont du Gard Aqueduct
This is the
Roman
aqueduct of Pont du Gard, which crosses the Gard River, located in France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Robert Harding Picture Library
This is the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, which crosses the Gard River, located in France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Article
Vocabulary
Ancient Rome had a large influence on the modern world. Though it has been thousands of years since the Roman
Empire
flourished, we can still see evidence of it in our art, architecture, technology, literature, language, and law. From bridges and stadiums to books and the words we hear every day, the ancient Romans have left their mark on our world.
Art and
Architecture
Ancient Romans have had a tremendous impact on art and architecture. We can find traces of Roman influence in forms and structures throughout the development of Western culture.
Although the Romans were heavily influenced by ancient Greece, they were able to make improvements to certain borrowed Greek designs and inventions. For example, they continued the use of columns, but the form became more decorative and less structural in Roman buildings. Ancient Romans created curved roofs and large-scale arches, which were able to support more weight than the post-and-beam construction the Greeks used. These arches served as the foundation for the massive bridges and aqueducts the Romans created. The game-loving ancients also built large amphitheaters, including the Colosseum. The sports stadiums we see today, with their oval shapes and tiered seating, derive from the basic idea the Romans developd.
The arches of the Colosseum are made out of cement, a remarkably strong building material the Romans made with what they had at hand: volcanic ash and volcanic rock. Modern scientists believe that the use of this ash is the reason that structures like the Colosseum still stand today. Roman underwater structures proved to be even sturdier. Seawater reacting with the volcanic ash created crystals that filled in the cracks in the concrete. To make a concrete this durable, modern builders must reinforce it with steel. So today, scientists study Roman concrete, hoping to match the success of the ancient master builders.
Sculptural art of the period has proven to be fairly durable, too. Romans made their statues out of marble, fashioning monuments to great human achievements and achievers. You can still see thousands of Roman artifacts today in museums all over the world.
Technology
and Science
Ancient Romans pioneered advances in many areas of science and technology, establishing tools and methods that have ultimately shaped the way the world does certain things.
The Romans were extremely adept engineers. They understood the laws of physics well enough to develop aqueducts and better ways to aid water flow. They harnessed water as energy for powering mines and mills. They also built an expansive road network, a great achievement at the time. Their roads were built by laying gravel and then paving with rock slabs. The Roman road system was so large, it was said that “all roads lead to Rome.”
Along with large-scale engineering projects, the Romans also developed tools and methods for use in agriculture. The Romans became successful farmers due to their knowledge of climate, soil, and other planting-related subjects. They developed or refined ways to effectively plant crops and to irrigate and drain fields. Their techniques are still used by modern farmers, such as crop rotation, pruning, grafting, seed selection, and manuring. The Romans also used mills to process their grains from farming, which improved their efficiency and employed many people.
Literature
and Language
Much of the literature of the world has been greatly influenced by the literature of the ancient Romans. During what is considered the “Golden Age of Roman Poetry,” poets such as Virgil, Horace, and Ovid produced works that have had an everlasting impact. Ovid’s Metamorphoses, for example, inspired authors such as Chaucer, Milton, Dante, and Shakespeare. Shakespeare, in particular, was fascinated by the ancient Romans, who served as the inspiration for some of his plays, including Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra.
While Roman literature had a deep impact on the rest of the world, it is important to note the impact that the Roman language has had on the Western world. Ancient Romans spoke Latin, which spread throughout the world with the increase of Roman political power. Latin became the basis for a group of languages referred to as the “Romance languages.” These include French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Catalan. Many Latin root words are also the foundation for many English words. The English alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet. Along with that, a lot of Latin is still used in the present-day justice system.
Law
The use of Latin words is not the only way the ancient Romans have influenced the Western justice system. Although the Roman justice system was extremely harsh in its punishments, it did serve as a rough outline of how court proceedings happen today. For example, there was a preliminary hearing, much like there is today, where the magistrate decided whether or not there was actually a case. If there were grounds for a case, a prominent Roman citizen would try the case, and witnesses and evidence would be presented. Roman laws and their court system have served as the foundation for many countries’ justice systems, such as the United States and much of Europe.
The ancient Romans helped lay the groundwork for many aspects of the modern world. It is no surprise that a once-booming empire was able to impact the world in so many ways and leave a lasting legacy behind.
Arch
Noun
Shape that looks like an upside-down “U.”
Architecture
Noun
Style and design of buildings or open spaces.
Crop rotation
Noun
The system of changing the type of crop in a field over time, mainly to preserve the productivity of the soil.
Empire
Noun
Group of nations, territories or other groups of people controlled by a single, more powerful authority.
Evidence
Noun
Data that can be measured, observed, examined, and analyzed to support a conclusion.
Expansive
Adjective
Vast or very large.
Flourish
Verb
To thrive or be successful.
Graft
Verb
To cause a plant to reproduce asexually by inserting one part of a plant into another plant.
Influence
Verb
To encourage or persuade a person or organization to act a certain way.
Invention
Noun
New idea, machine, product, device, or process.
Legacy
Noun
Material, ideas, or history passed down or communicated by a person or community from the past.
Literature
Noun
Written material, including novels, poetry, drama and history.
Monument
Noun
Large structure representing an event, idea, or person.
Network
Noun
Series of links along which movement or communication can take place.
Pioneer
Verb
To lead the way or be among the first to do something.
Preliminary
Adjective
Beginning or leading up to.
Prominent
Adjective
Important or standing out.
Prune
Verb
To cut or trim branches from a tree, bush, or shrub.
Roman
Adjective
Having to do with the civilization of ancient Rome, including the kingdom, republic, and empire.
Roman Empire
Noun
(27 B.C.E.-476 C.E.) period in the history of ancient Rome when the state was ruled by an emperor.
Sculpture
Noun
Three-dimensional artwork that is carved, molded, or modeled to create its shape.
Technique
Noun
Method of doing something.
Technology
Noun
The science of using tools and complex machines to make human life easier or more profitable.
Tremendous
Adjective
Very large or important.
Witness
Verb
To see and be aware of by personal, first-hand knowledge.
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Find the Full Original Textbook (PDF) in the link
below:
CLICK HERE
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Global History 16th Edition (PDF Instant Download)
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Global
History, 16th Edition by Fred S. Kleiner offers a
comprehensive, wide-ranging exploration of the
evolution of art across different cultures and periods.
Unlike its predecessors, which focused more on
Western art, this edition broadens its scope to
include art from across the globe, highlighting the
diverse artistic traditions that have shaped human
civilization. It is a valuable resource for students and
scholars interested in understanding art in a global
context, as it traces the interconnectedness of
artistic movements and how they have been
influenced by a variety of social, political, religious,
and cultural factors. With over 700 images, the text
integrates critical discussions about the significance
of art in different periods, as well as its cultural and
historical contexts. This volume offers insights into
the works of artists from a variety of regions,
including Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and
Oceania.
Chapter 1: The Evolution of Art: From Prehistoric to Ancient
Civilizations
This opening chapter explores the origins of art in
prehistoric times, focusing on cave paintings,
carvings, and the first forms of symbolic expression.
The earliest artworks are connected to spiritual and
ritualistic beliefs, as seen in the cave paintings of
Lascaux, France, and Altamira, Spain, where
humans painted animals and abstract symbols on
walls to ensure a successful hunt or to invoke the
power of supernatural forces. The chapter also
delves into the evolution of tools, materials, and
techniques that early humans employed to create
these first images, marking the beginning of artistic
practices.
The chapter also introduces the major early
civilizations of the world—Mesopotamia, Egypt, the
Indus Valley, and Mesoamerica. Mesopotamian art
is closely linked to religion, kingship, and
monumental architecture, as evidenced by the
ziggurats and the Ishtar Gate. Egyptian art, known
for its strict conventions, is also explored, particularly
the way in which it reflected the ideals of order and
immortality, with a focus on tombs, pyramids, and
royal portraiture.
The chapter highlights the art of ancient cultures
such as the ancient Greeks, whose development of
idealized human forms set a precedent for Western
art, and the arts of the Americas, such as the Olmec
and Maya, which provide insights into the spiritual
and ceremonial practices of these civilizations.
This chapter focuses entirely on Egyptian art,
offering a detailed examination of how this
civilization’s artworks were heavily influenced by
religion, the afterlife, and the belief in immortality.
The art of ancient Egypt adhered to a set of
conventions designed to depict the eternal and
unchanging world of the gods. Egyptian artists
created monumental tombs, such as the pyramids,
designed to house the dead and ensure their
successful journey to the afterlife.
The iconic imagery of pharaohs and gods, which
conveyed both power and divine authority, is
explored, including the famous sculpture of the
seated Pharaoh Khafre. Egyptian wall paintings,
relief sculptures, and hieroglyphs are analyzed in
relation to their symbolic meanings and their role in
ensuring a harmonious afterlife. The chapter further
examines the differences between the Old, Middle,
and New Kingdoms, each marked by stylistic shifts
and evolving religious and political ideologies.
The chapter concludes by discussing the artistic
legacy of Egypt, noting how its influence can be
seen in later cultures, particularly in Greece and
Rome.
Ancient Greek art is regarded as one of the most
influential in the Western canon, setting standards
for beauty, proportion, and the idealized human
form. This chapter explores the evolution of Greek
art from the Geometric and Archaic periods to the
Classical and Hellenistic periods, with a focus on
sculpture, architecture, and pottery.
Greek art is characterized by its pursuit of the ideal
human form, often seen in the marble sculptures of
gods and athletes. Early Greek art was heavily
influenced by Egyptian conventions but gradually
moved toward greater naturalism. By the Classical
period, Greek artists developed a keen
understanding of human anatomy, which is
exemplified in the works of sculptors like Phidias and
Polykleitos, whose sculptures, such as the
Doryphoros (Spear-Bearer), demonstrated the
pursuit of balance, harmony, and the “ideal”
proportions of the human body.
The chapter also examines the architecture of
ancient Greece, particularly the temples dedicated to
the gods, such as the Parthenon in Athens, and the
development of the Greek orders (Doric, Ionic, and
Corinthian) that set the foundation for Western
architectural styles.
The Hellenistic period is marked by a move away
from idealized forms and toward greater emotional
expressiveness and realism, as seen in sculptures
like the Laocoön Group and the Venus de Milo. The
chapter closes with a discussion of the profound
impact of Greek art on Roman art and the Western
world.
This chapter shifts to Roman art, which was deeply
influenced by Greek traditions but also introduced its
own innovations in architecture, sculpture, and
painting. Roman art is marked by its pragmatism, as
the Romans were not just interested in creating
idealized representations but in documenting the
world around them and glorifying their rulers and
military achievements.
The chapter begins with a discussion of Roman
portraiture, particularly the use of verism (the
realistic depiction of age and imperfections) in the
portrayal of important political and military figures.
The busts of Roman emperors, such as Julius
Caesar and Augustus, exemplify the Roman
approach to portraiture as a tool of political
propaganda.
Roman architecture, including the development of
the arch, the dome, and the vault, is also explored.
Iconic structures such as the Colosseum, the
Pantheon, and the Roman aqueducts demonstrate
the Romans’ advanced engineering skills. The
chapter further covers Roman frescoes, mosaics,
and the decorative art of Roman villas, which often
depicted scenes from mythology, daily life, and
nature.
Roman art’s lasting legacy in architecture, sculpture,
and portraiture is examined, particularly in its
influence on Renaissance art and the neoclassical
movement.
As the Roman Empire transitioned into the Christian
era, art underwent a significant transformation. This
chapter examines the shift from the classical ideals
of Greek and Roman art to the spiritual focus of
early Christian art. Early Christian art was primarily
concerned with religious themes, particularly in the
depiction of Christ, saints, and biblical narratives.
The chapter explores the art of early Christian
catacombs, where Christians painted frescoes of
symbolic figures like the Good Shepherd. The focus
was less on the physical world and more on spiritual
themes, with an emphasis on creating imagery that
would guide believers in their faith.
The chapter also covers Byzantine art, which
developed in the Eastern Roman Empire after the
fall of Rome. Byzantine art is characterized by its
use of icons, which were believed to serve as
windows into the divine. The chapter explores the
iconoclastic controversy and the development of
religious imagery in the form of mosaics, frescoes,
and church decoration, with the Hagia Sophia in
Constantinople serving as a prime example of
Byzantine architectural and artistic grandeur.
The art of the Islamic world is known for its distinct
focus on calligraphy, geometric patterns, and
aniconism (the avoidance of figural imagery in
religious contexts). This chapter delves into the
artistic traditions of Islamic cultures, tracing the
development of Islamic art from the 7th century to
the present day.
Islamic art is deeply tied to the principles of the
Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad,
who forbade the depiction of living beings in
religious art. Instead, artists created intricate
patterns and calligraphy, often in the form of verses
from the Quran. The chapter explores the
significance of architecture in Islamic art, with
examples such as the Dome of the Rock in
Jerusalem and the Alhambra in Spain, which
showcase the importance of decorative surfaces and
intricate tile work.
Islamic art also includes the development of Persian,
Ottoman, and Mughal traditions, which contributed
to the rich diversity of Islamic visual culture. The
chapter concludes by noting the global impact of
Islamic art on both the Islamic world and the West.
This chapter covers the diverse and complex artistic
traditions of Asia, including Chinese, Japanese,
Korean, Indian, and Southeast Asian art. The arts of
Asia are marked by a deep connection to religion,
philosophy, and nature, with Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist,
and Confucian influences shaping the development
of visual culture.
In China, art has long been tied to Confucian ideals
of order and balance. The chapter explores
traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and
sculpture, with an emphasis on the importance of
landscape painting and the representation of the
natural world.
Japanese art is discussed in terms of its unique
blend of indigenous Shinto beliefs and Buddhist
influences, seen in the creation of Zen gardens,
scroll paintings, and woodblock prints. The chapter
also examines the art of India, particularly the rich
tradition of Hindu and Buddhist sculpture, temple
architecture, and miniature painting.
Southeast Asian art, with its intricate temple
architecture and religious iconography, is explored,
highlighting the artistic achievements of cultures
such as the Khmer Empire and the art of Thailand
and Burma.
African art, which includes the art of sub-Saharan
Africa, North Africa, and the African diaspora, is
explored in this chapter. African art is diverse,
ranging from the masks and sculptures of the
Yoruba people to the textiles and beadwork of the
Maasai. The chapter emphasizes the spiritual and
ritualistic functions of African art, with many works
created for use in religious ceremonies, initiation
rites, or as representations of ancestors and gods.
The chapter also covers the art of ancient Egypt and
North Africa, noting the ways in which these cultures
influenced the development of art in Europe and the
Middle East. The importance of storytelling,
symbolism, and performance in African art is
highlighted throughout the chapter.
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Global History,
16th Edition provides a comprehensive overview of
the evolution of art across different regions and
cultures, placing a strong emphasis on the
interconnections between art, culture, and society. It
not only traces the development of Western art but
also highlights the richness of global artistic
traditions, demonstrating the diversity of artistic
expression throughout history. By incorporating a
broader range of cultural perspectives, this edition
offers a more inclusive and holistic approach to art
history.
Find the Full Original Textbook (PDF) in the link
below:
CLICK HERE
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Global History 16th Edition (PDF Instant Download)
- Chapter 1: The Evolution of Art: From Prehistoric to Ancient Civilizations
Chapter 2: Art of Ancient Egypt
Chapter 3: Art of Ancient Greece
Chapter 4: Art of Ancient Rome
Chapter 5: Art of Early Christianity and Byzantine Art
Chapter 6: Islamic Art
Chapter 7: Art of Asia
Chapter 8: Art of Africa
