15.3 Art, architecture, and literature of the High Empire

Roman imperial art showcased power through monumental architecture like the Colosseum and Pantheon. Realistic portraiture, frescoes, and mosaics adorned public and private spaces. Greek influences were evident in architectural orders and mythological themes.

Roman literature flourished during this period. Virgil's Aeneid and Horace's poetry exemplified poetic achievements. Prose works by Cicero and Seneca explored philosophy and rhetoric. Historical writings by Livy and Tacitus chronicled Rome's past and present.

Art and Architecture of the High Empire

Characteristics of Roman imperial art

• Monumental architecture showcases grandeur and power
  • Colosseum: amphitheater for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, elliptical structure with tiered seating, innovative use of concrete and arches
  • Pantheon: temple dedicated to all gods, largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, oculus at the top of the dome
• Triumphal arches commemorate military victories and achievements with reliefs depicting battle scenes and triumphal processions
• Realistic portraiture captures individual features and expressions in veristic style, used in busts, statues, and coins
• Frescoes and mosaics decorate walls and floors of public buildings and private homes, depicting mythological scenes, landscapes, and daily life

Greek influences on Roman styles

• Adoption of Greek orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) in architecture
• Incorporation of Greek mythological themes and iconography in art
• Hellenistic style in sculpture emphasizes emotion and movement
• Etruscan influence seen in arch and vault construction techniques and realistic portraiture
• Egyptian influence evident in obelisks, pyramidal forms, and use of exotic materials (porphyry, granite)

Development of Roman literature

• Poetry
  • Virgil's Aeneid: epic poem tracing the origins of Rome to Aeneas, a Trojan hero, promotes Augustan ideals and legitimizes Roman rule
  • Horace's Odes and Satires: lyric poetry addressing themes of love, friendship, and morality, satirical works critiquing Roman society and vices
• Prose
  • Cicero's philosophical and rhetorical works: De Officiis (On Duties) and De Oratore (On the Orator), influenced by Greek philosophy and oratorical techniques
  • Seneca's Stoic philosophy and tragic plays: moral essays and letters advocating Stoic principles, tragedies adapting Greek myths to Roman contexts
• Historical writing
  • Livy's Ab Urbe Condita (From the Founding of the City): monumental history of Rome from its origins to the Augustan age, emphasizes moral lessons and exemplary figures
  • Tacitus' Annals and Histories: chronicles the reigns of emperors from Tiberius to Domitian, provides critical analysis of imperial power and corruption

Art for imperial propaganda

• Glorification of the emperor through statues and portraits depicting them as divine or heroic figures, triumphal arches and monuments celebrating imperial victories, and literature praising their virtues and achievements
• Propagation of Roman values by promoting virtues such as pietas (duty), gravitas (seriousness), and mos maiorum (ancestral custom), depicting exemplary figures from Roman history, and conveying moral lessons and philosophical teachings in literature
• Unification of the empire achieved through standardization of architectural styles and artistic motifs across provinces, dissemination of Roman culture through literature and education, and use of art and architecture to assert Roman dominance and cultural superiority