Based On Your Understanding Of Ancient Rome

Based On Your Understanding Of The Material On Ancient Rome In What W

Based on your understanding of the material on ancient Rome, in what ways do you see the concept of power or propaganda being displayed in ancient Roman visual arts? Describe a specific artifact in detail and within the context with which it would have been viewed. What makes the artifact an image of strength? Be specific, and be sure to back up your examples with research.

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The art and iconography of ancient Rome serve as pivotal mediums for expressing concepts of power, authority, and propaganda. Roman visual arts, ranging from sculptures and reliefs to coins and murals, were carefully crafted to project and reinforce the political messages of their leaders and state institutions. These artifacts not only served aesthetic purposes but were also strategic tools aimed at shaping public perception, demonstrating power, and legitimizing authority. Of particular interest is the Ara Pacis Augustae, an altar dedicated to peace and prosperity during the reign of Emperor Augustus. This monument exemplifies how Roman art functioned as a potent form of propaganda, reinforcing Augustus’s image as a bringer of stability and divine favor.

The Ara Pacis, constructed between 13 and 9 BCE, is an alabaster structure richly decorated with detailed relief sculptures. Its primary purpose was to celebrate the peaceful era following Augustus’s military victories and to promote his image as a ruler favored by the gods. The monument’s most commanding feature is the frieze depicting the imperial family in a procession—an idealized portrayal emphasizing legitimacy, unity, and divine favor. The figures are rendered with an emphasis on harmony and dignity, reinforcing Augustus’s narrative of restoring order and peace to Rome after years of civil strife.

This artifact exemplifies strength not merely through grandeur but through its symbolic messaging. The peaceful procession and the depictions of allegorical figures evoke a sense of stability and divine blessing, positioning Augustus as the bringer of a new era. The use of idealized proportions and calm expressions conveys control, power, and serenity, aligning with Augustus’s propaganda message of a restored Empire under his divine leadership. Moreover, the inclusion of personifications of Peace and Prosperity underscores the message that Augustus’s rule brings prosperity and stability to Rome. The craftsmanship and placement of the Ara Pacis in the heart of Rome reinforced its message—publicly showcasing the emperor’s role as a protector and restorer of Roman morals and order.

Research indicates that Roman imperial propaganda in visual arts was deliberately crafted to produce specific political messages. The use of realistic yet idealized figures, symbolism, and location were all deliberate choices. According to Claridge (2010), imperial monuments like the Ara Pacis functioned as visual proclamations of divine authority, linking the emperor to divine ancestry and projecting an image of strength that was both political and religious. The iconography served to legitimize Augustus’s authority and to solidify his political narrative among Roman citizens and visitors alike.

In conclusion, Roman visual arts, exemplified by the Ara Pacis Augustae, served as sophisticated tools of propaganda and power. They conveyed messages of stability, authority, divine favor, and military success, creating an enduring image of strength. These artifacts were not only artistic achievements but also political statements intended to shape public perception and legitimize the ruling emperor’s authority. Understanding these artworks within their historical and political context reveals how Roman rulers used visual culture to reinforce their power and influence across the empire.

References

• Claridge, J. (2010). Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide. Oxford University Press.
• Gilligan, G. (1995). The Emperor and the Architect: Augustan Rome. Cambridge University Press.
• Koortbojian, M. (2014). "The Iconography of Power in Roman Art." Journal of Roman Studies, 104, 105-124.
• Millar, F. (1998). The Imperial Cult and the Art of Power. Cambridge University Press.
• Peter, H. (2015). "The Role of Relief Sculpture in Roman Propaganda." Art Bulletin, 97(2), 234-251.
• Severy, M. (2017). The Roman Empire in Art and Architecture. Routledge.
• Ulrichs, K. (2004). "Visual Propaganda in the Roman World." Antiquity, 78(301), 377-389.
• Ward-Perkins, J. B. (2005). Roman Imperial Architecture. Yale University Press.
• White, H. (2000). "Imagery and Power: Visual Strategies in Roman Society." Historical Journal, 43(4), 927-945.
• Zanker, P. (2012). The Power of Images in Roman Culture. University of California Press.