Architecture is a special existence in human history, it has both tool utility and can be used as an important place for human production and life. On the other hand, it also has a strong artistry, witnessing the history of human development and condensing the spiritual culture of human beings. In the process of historical transformation and development, it can also play a role in influencing the course of history.
Roman architecture is not only rich in types, but also of high artistic value
Travel back in time to the birthplace of Western civilization, ancient Greece and Rome. After inheriting and innovating the architectural art of ancient Greece, ancient Rome can be said to have created a unique artistic territory in terms of architectural art. In terms of architectural form, technology and art, they have reached the peak of western ancient art.
Ancient Rome also had a wide variety of architectural types, ranging from religious buildings such as the Pantheon and the Temple of the Sun in Balbec, as well as royal palaces, theater arenas, baths, and public buildings such as squares and basilicas. Religious buildings are the most typical of these, and the main feature of these religious temples is that the exterior looks dull, but the interior is extremely luxurious.
The first is the Pantheon, the best preserved of ancient Roman architecture, which was built in the 3rd century BC. The Romans creatively combined Greek column structures and arches to become one of the largest dome buildings in the world, representing the highest achievement of ancient Roman dome technology.
The upper part of the temple is a perfectly rounded hemisphere, and the entire building consists of a rectangular portico and two parts of the temple. The inner wall has 8 large niches along the circumference to reduce the weight of the wall and decorate the wall. Extremely creative. The highly developed arch art of ancient Rome enlarged the interior space of the temple. This grand architectural style reflects its noble and solemn characteristics, producing a sublime beauty.
In particular, the religious rituals of the Romans at that time were carried out indoors, and this architectural style isolated them from the outside world, communicating with the heart through the grand, ethereal environment and God inside. The charm of the Pantheon is also that it shows the image of the universe, and its sky-like dome heralds communication with the universe.
It was in the midst of these dense buildings in the heart of the city that the Romans began their political life. During the republican period, whether it was a citizens' assembly, a council of elders, or the trial of criminals, it was carried out in these buildings. These political activities have since been closely related to architecture. As a result, these buildings had a major impact on the political life and historical development of the Romans at that time.
These Roman Forums and the buildings around them were the main battlefield of the Roman Civil War at that time and an important tool for their political struggle. These statesmen can use these monumental and religious buildings to elevate their prestige and win the people's submission. You can also deepen your connection with the gods through these temples, see yourself as the embodiment of "gods", and bring an irresistible element to your rule.
Especially in the special context of the Roman Civil War at that time. Ancient Roman politicians took the role of architecture to the extreme, leaving behind exquisite architecture and wonderful historical stories.
Because of its unique geographical location, Roman architecture has a strong political function
Because of their unique location, these important buildings were once used by some armed protesters as an important tool for fierce political struggles here. This is where Caesar's assassination unfolds.
After Caesar's reform of the Political System of Rome, although the economy of Rome was able to develop steadily, it touched the interests of the noble elders. So in 44 B.C., these elders united and orchestrated julius Caesar's death.
The assassination in the Chamber of Elders was chosen because it was the only place that could succeed at the time, because Caesar, as the most majestic ruler of the Roman Empire at that time, was loved by the whole country and could not do anything to Caesar anywhere else. On the other hand, because of the peculiarities of the Senate, it is not allowed to bring weapons into the house. Caesar would have thought it was absolutely safe and wouldn't have as much of a defensive mind.
As long as the murderer hides the dagger in the file box and raids the unarmed Caesar, such a plan can succeed. And it was in this place that the killing of Caesar could be done quietly, without the attention of the people, and could also give Caesar a valid reason for his death.
The murderers could give speeches in the Senate and in the square to highlight the impartiality and legitimacy of their actions. They could try to oppose dictatorship and gain popular support through such means. Although the attempts of the murderers to change the course of history ultimately failed, the assassination was a success.
The Senate not only ended Caesar's name, but also buried the Roman Republic. The Roman Republic, which ended Caesar's dictatorship, fell into chaos. This all-out civil war severely weakened the Roman Republic, causing the powerful empire to eventually fall apart.
In addition to the closed buildings such as the Senate, which play a role in secretly tricking the ghosts, the wide square also has a role that cannot be ignored. Because of its public and open nature, politicians can speak here to win popular support. Especially after Caesar's death, many people with intentions spoke here.
The first was Caesar's murderers, who recounted Caesar's crimes, believing that his dictatorship had stripped the Romans of republican power and pushed Rome into the abyss. But not long after, Caesar's men arrived with cavalry, surrounded the square, removed Caesar's scarred body, and charged the murderers with actual crimes.
This practice quickly aroused the hatred of the people, who were filled with anger at the murderer after seeing the corpse and desperately wanted to hunt down the murderer. So at this time, Antony, who read Caesar's will, became the heir of Caesar who was taken for granted in people's hearts, and won the support of the people.
It can be seen that the power of the square should not be underestimated. It was both a place where Roman citizens exercised their political rights and a central area for all kinds of political struggles. It had a profound impact on the life and historical development of the Romans at that time.
In addition to political struggles, the Roman emperors would use religious buildings to consolidate their position
The most important religious buildings in Rome showed their respect for the gods, so the things that happened in the temples also made them see them as the guides of the gods. Therefore, these events will also affect people's judgment of the political situation.
In the election of consuls in 83 BC, two temples were struck by lightning, and the diviners at that time felt ominous. Soon more temples were attacked by lightning, which caused panic among the Romans, who felt that Rome was on the verge of falling, especially at that time when the people thought it was the end of the republic.
In addition to the "will of heaven", the Romans, faced with an unknown war, would choose to sacrifice in the temple to beg for help from the gods. The main purpose of this practice is not to really get much help from the gods, but to boost morale and win the support and trust of the masses.
Caesar had done this many times, begging the gods at midnight before the Battle of Fasalus, and after the victory of the war, he built the famous Temple of Venus in Rome to show his gratitude to the gods. He also built Caesar's Square for people to gather and study here.
There was also Octavian, who, during his war with the Republicans, swore that if the war was won, he would build a temple in Rome of Mars the Avenger to thank the gods. After his victory, the temple was built, and in this temple, statues of himself and his family members, as well as statues of various gods, were placed together to show his merits, juxtaposed himself with the gods, and gave legitimacy to his power.
Octavian's approach strengthened his rule on the one hand, and gradually developed a cult of the Roman Fuehrer, deifying his position as a way to rule the empire. They will also use this method to promote themselves and gain the initiative in various wars.
Because of the religious and solemn nature of the temple, many important documents of the time were placed there. Originally, Antony's will was placed in the Temple of Vesta, and Octavian, after hearing the contents of his will, disregarded the solemn intrusion of the temple and demanded that Antony's will be obtained and read it on the spot.
Because the will was so contrary to Roman values that anything else was true, Antony was declared a roman enemy, allowing Octavian to push his opponent into a moral dilemma, eventually defeating him as emperor of Rome. In this war without smoke, the temple became an important stage in the political competition.
These seemingly icy buildings played a major role in the history of Rome, sometimes they were an important tool for political struggle, sometimes they were important places for prayer and spiritual exchange, and they were also the center of gravity of Roman life. These public buildings almost run through the history of Rome and reflect the love and value of the Romans.
bibliography:
Roman Architecture
Biography of the Twelve Emperors of Rome