Life, Myth, and Art in Ancient Rome
Publisher: Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum; J. Paul Getty Museum
Published: February 17, 2005
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 144
ISBN-13: 9780892368211
Subjects: Social History; History - General History; History; History: World; Ancient - Rome; History / Ancient / Rome; Art, Roman; Mythology, Roman, in art
Description: "Life, Myth, and Art in Ancient Rome celebrates the many achievements of Roman culture and delves into its dark side. Romans erected structures so well built and engineered that they still stand millennia later, yet these same buildings also showcased blood sports as public entertainment. The Romans instituted just government, impartial legal and political institutions, and concepts of citizenship, yet its population included slaves as well as patricians and plebeians, and was often riven by intrigue, superstition, and savagery." "This volume is an illustrated introduction to a fascinating, and at times paradoxical, civilization and its art and architecture, ranging from magnificent temples and aqueducts, to exquisite mosaics and jewelry. Placing the art in its cultural context, the author covers themes that have long inspired the Western imagination, including the rise and fall of emperors, the life and death of the gladiator, the belief in omens and prophecy, and, ultimately, the establishment of Christianity."--Jacket.