By tradition, only landowners could serve in the army. One secret to building the Roman Empire lay in its strong army, required to conquer new lands as well as to secure domestic peace and ensure flourishing trade. Photograph by Heini Schneebeli/Bridgeman Images The Roman military Precious metals, glass, turquoise, pearls, garnets, and other gemstones all appear in their finely crafted jewelry. at the close of the prosperous and cosmopolitan Ptolemaic dynasty. This intricate, snake-shaped ring of gold adorned some Egyptian noble’s finger in the first century B.C. ( How Roman gladiators got ready to rumble.) Masters passed their skills from father to son, master to apprentice, over centuries.Īrchaeologists have discovered some of the most beautiful works providing a peek into everyday Roman life across the empire. The Romans were especially gifted at gold, silver, and other metal work, largely thanks to the influence of their Greek and Etruscan predecessors. The Travestere neighborhood today retains the essence of an artisan neighborhood, where glass blowers, shoemakers, and marble workers once plied their trade. Most Roman artisans resided in Rome’s working-class neighborhoods along the Tiber’s southern bank. ( Romans prized these jewels more than diamonds.) But Roman craftsmen and artisans also created refined everyday pieces that showcase their mastery, including jewelry and musical instruments. 101 to 106, and adorned with a spiral frieze that commemorates the Dacia battles. One of the most famous is Trajan’s Column in Rome, commissioned by Emperor Trajan after he conquered Dacia (modern-day Romania) during his campaigns from A.D. The Romans are famed for their grandiose marble sculptures, requiring exquisite talent and expertise. Photograph by ROMAOSLO/Getty Images Roman artistry The sea god Neptune, a key deity for an empire circling the Mediterranean, is portrayed spearing a sea monster in a marble statue. ( Chariot racing stirred up both love and hate in ancient Rome.) As Roman power and territory expanded, the Romans added gods and goddesses from vastly different cultures, including Isis from Egypt and Mithras from Persia.Īrchaeologists have discovered an abundance of artifacts bearing the images of the Romans’ gods and goddesses, shedding light into this heavenly world. The main divine beings, known as the Capitoline Triad, included Jupiter, the sky god who oversaw all aspects of life Juno, the chief goddess who was particularly associated with the lives of women and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. Ancient Romans believed that the 60-plus deities in their pantheon (and plenty of demigods) helped shape the events of their lives on a daily basis. The Romans were primarily polytheists, with many of their deities inspired by those in Greek mythology. ( Along Hadrian’s Wall, ancient Rome’s temples, towers, and cults come to life.) Roman gods and goddesses Here are some of the most fascinating small-scale finds and the insights they provide into the way the Romans lived. But archaeologists have also discovered small, everyday items-engraved scarabs, leather soldier sandals, intricately decorated bowls-that speak volumes about their daily lives over 2,700 years ago, from how they worshipped their gods to how they spent their money to how they feasted. The ancient Romans left behind massive ruins that showcase their engineering and architectural ingenuity, foremost among them Rome’s Coliseum.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |