Chapter 10
THE ROMAN EMPIRE
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1.
Which of the following describes the Temple of “Fortuna Virilis” (Temple of Portunus), Rome?
a.
b.
c.
d.
pseudo-peripteral
peripteral
marble façade
placed on a stylobate
Answer: a
2.
Which of the following is uniquely Greek in style and was imported to Rome in the first century BCE?
a.
b.
c.
d.
rectangular shaped temples
tholos style temples
cement facades
Tuscan columns
Answer: b
3.
Roman temple design during the Republican period reflected the colossal design of the Greek Hellenistic
style. This can be seen in which of the following temples?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Temple of “Fortuna Virilis” (Portunus), Rome
Temple of Vesta, Tivoli
Pantheon, Rome
Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, Palestrina
Answer: d
4.
Freed slaves often ordered portrait reliefs for their tombs. Which of the following is the best reason for this?
a.
b.
c.
d.
celebrate their new status as free
reminder of their former status as slaves
commemorate their status as Roman citizens
celebrate their immortality via portraiture
Connect slave art to earlier
traditions, and later to middle
ages.
Answer: c Page 243
5.
Which of the following structural materials allowed the architect of the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia to
raise such a grand and eloquent expression of Roman power?
a.
b.
c.
d.
concrete
marble
bronze rebar
metal armatures
Answer: a
337
6.
The Republican portraits are usually of older men. Which of the following explains the life-like veritism of
these portraits?
a.
b.
c.
d.
the Hellenistic tradition of portraiture
the Etruscan tradition of funereal sculpture
the tradition of the treasured household imagines
the new Republican tradition of portraiture
Answer: c
7.
242
Which of the following was the first to break with tradition and use his portrait on Roman coinage?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Caesar Augustus
Pompey
Julius Caesar
Tiberius
Answer: c
8.
What does imagines mean, and what
is ancestor art?
How is coinage a form of
sculpture?
244
Which of the following would be located in a forum and would house the law court for the city?
a.
b.
c.
d.
stoa
Capitolium
basilica
arena
Answer: c
9.
The Arch of Titus shows the military triumphs of Titus, returning after the successful conclusion of the Jewish
Wars in 70 CE. Which of the following was also included in the sculptural program for the Arch of Titus?
a.
b.
c.
d.
celebration of imperial virtues
celebration of the ancestry of Titus
celebration of the birthplace of Titus
celebration of the reign of Nero
Answer: a
10.
262
Flavian portraits, unlike Republican portraits, showed people of all ages and both sexes. Which of the
following was one of the purposes of the portrait bust of the Flavian Woman (probably a Flavian princess)?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Republican, Early Empire, High
Empire, Late Empire?
show Republican virtue
show divinity of the woman
show her Greek ancestry
show idealized beauty
Answer: d
11.
Republican, Early Empire, High
Empire, Late Empire?
261
Which of the following would describe the “baroque” style of the 2 nd century CE tomb nicknamed AlKhazneh, the Treasury, located at Petra?
a.
b.
c.
d.
studied disregard for classical rules
studied regard for classical rules
experimentation with new architectural rules
standard use of forms and motifs to reflect Middle Eastern funerary architecture
338
Answer: a
12.
The Pantheon was one of the most influential designs in the history of architecture. It brought new meaning to
the concept of “architectural space.” Which of the following descriptions characterize this influential work?
a.
b.
c.
d.
the design is based on the intersection of two squares
the design is based on the intersection of two circles
the design is based on the intersection of two rectangles
the design is based on the trapezoid
Answer: b
13.
Which of the following best describes and distinguishes the “First Style” of Roman painting?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Architectural
Intricate
Masonry
Ornate
Answer: c
14.
A large palace/fort was built at Split in Yugoslavia by _______________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Julius Caesar
Trajan
Diocletian
Constantine
Answer: c
15.
Which of the following best describes and distinguishes the “Fourth Style” of Roman painting?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Masonry
Linear Fantasies
Dissolution of confining walls
Architectural Illusionism
Answer: d
16.
Pompeian wall paintings of the Second Style are characterized by which of the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
fantastic architecture based on the theater
painted copies of inlaid stonework
various sections, some painted decoratively
the wall seemingly opening up into an illusionistic landscape
Answer: d
17.
Where would an oculus be found?
a.
b.
c.
d.
at the center of a dome
in the wall of a temple
as part of a Roman peristyle
in the apse of a basilica
339
Answer: a
18.
The Emperor Trajan commissioned which of the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer: d
19.
265
The most pronounced influence of Greek Classical art on Roman art could be seen in work done for which of
the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
the Roman Republic
the Emperor Augustus
Trajan
Constantine
Answer: b
20.
Republican, Early Empire, High
Empire, Late Empire?
the Colosseum
an Arch of Triumph now in Paris
the Ara Pacis
the column depicting his victories
Republican, Early Empire, High
Empire, Late Empire?
254
The Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia was characterized by which of the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
monumental concrete barrel vaults
pseudo-peripteral style
use of bucrania
religious frescoes
Answer: a
21.
The reliefs on the Column of Trajan are not a reliable chronological account of the Dacian campaigns;
however, they do present an accurate record of the general character of the campaigns. Which of the
following also describes this narrative?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Republican, Early Empire, High
Dacians were depicted as insignificant with poor military skills
Empire, Late Empire?
Dacians were never depicted, only Trajan was depicted
no active battles were depicted
Dacians were depicted respectfully and their skills as warriors were acknowledged
Answer: d
22.
265
Coffering was a useful architectural device in that it performed what function?
a.
b.
c.
d.
helped expand interior space
helped lighten the weight of a dome or arch
supplied an accurate means of measurement for the Romans
enabled extensive road systems to be built
Answer: b
23.
Which style of wall painting was least characteristic of Roman wall painting?
a.
b.
c.
d.
architectural frames
illusionism
mathematical linear perspective
eclecticism
340
Answer: c
24.
The palace at Tivoli was constructed for which of the following emperors?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Augustus
Nero
Constantine
Hadrian
Answer: d
25.
Christianity was recognized as the official religion of Rome in the early fourth century CE by which of the
following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Diocletian
Constantine
Marcus Aurelius
Trajan
Answer: b
26.
In contrast to a Greek temple, Roman temples usually were _______________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
set on a stylobate
constructed on a hill
pseudo-peripteral
constructed of wood
Answer: c
27.
Which famous Roman building included all of the following features: barrel vaults, groin vaults, and a central
dome over an eight-sided room.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Pantheon.
Basilica Ulpia
Colosseum
Villa of Mysteries
Answer: a
28.
The figures from the frieze of the Villa of Mysteries are thought to depict an initiation into which of the
following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
cult of Demeter
cult of Persephone
cult of Dionysus
cult of Sol Invictus
Answer: c
SHORT ANSWER
29.
What is atmospheric perspective?
341
Answer: Depth is indicated by the increasingly blurred appearance of objects in the distance.
30.
How does eclecticism describe the Republican Temple of Fortuna Virilis, Rome?
Answer: It was the primary characteristic of this temple; it takes components from both the Etruscan and the
Greeks and creates a uniquely Roman statement. It has the high podium and deep porch of the Etruscans and
an imitation of the Greek marble façade it has a stucco façade with an ionic frieze.
31.
What are characteristics of concrete and what effect did it have upon building design?
Answer: Concrete is a building material of great tensile strength that allows for enormous flexibility in
shaping both interior space and exteriors.
32.
How did the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia at Palestrina reflect Roman architectural design and expression?
Answer: The innovative use of concrete allowed the architects to transform an entire hillside into a complex
symbol of Roman power. It was the subjugation of nature to the order and rationality of Rome itself and thus
reiterated the Roman imperial spirit.
33.
What is a groin vault?
Answer: A groin vault results from the intersection of two barrel vaults.
34.
How does a vault differ from a post-and-lintel system?
Answer: A vault allows more flexibility in covering vast interior space, while a post-and-lintel system is
limited by the structural elements of uprights and crossbeams. These do not allow great interior open space.
35.
How does the equestrian portrait of Marcus Aurelius convey the power of the emperor?
Answer: He is larger than life size in comparison with his horse. He stretches his arm out as if welcoming or
pardoning. The quiet and purposeful stride of the horse and the size of the emperor meld together to create an
image of awesome power. Marcus Aurelius becomes almost godlike in his pose as ruler of the world.
36.
How did influences from Christianity and eastern religions affect Roman funerary practices?
Answer: Beginning with the reigns of Trajan and especially during the Antonine years, Romans began to favor
burials rather than cremations as a funerary practice. This change also encouraged an increased demand for
sarcophagi.
37.
Who or what is Mithras?
Answer: Persian god of light, who was symbolic of truth and victory over death. This mystery cult was very
popular during the final years of the Empire with many shrines dedicated to this god found in Rome and Ostia.
38.
How did the Pax Augusta (Augustan Peace) or Pax Romana affect Roman construction in the Mediterranean?
Answer: Peace and prosperity came to the region, which allowed succeeding emperors to commission
ambitious building programs, which molded public opinion and shaped subsequent generations.
39.
How do the portraits of Livia reflect Classical Greek sculpture? Pg 255
Answer: Her face remains ageless, corresponding to the Greek tradition of eternal beauty used for images of
their goddesses.
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40.
How did Augustus change the purpose of portrait sculpture?
Answer: During the Republican years, portraits of elders were the norm. During the reign of Augustus,
sculptors were called upon to produce youthful portraits of the head of state. Augustus understood the
powerful political statement a portrait could make and he used this very effectively during his reign.
Subsequent generations learned and followed his examples.
SAMPLE ESSAY QUESTIONS
41.
How did the political situation in third century CE Rome differ from that of the first century CE, and what
effect did that have on art? Cite specific monuments to illustrate your discussion.
Answer: pages 237; 255-263 and 274-286.
42.
Evaluate the role of Augustus as a patron of the arts. Use examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 255-259.
43.
Explain the contributions of Diocletian and how he impacted the Late Empire period. Use examples to support
your essay.
Answer: pages 280-281 and 282-286.
44.
Explain the techniques used by Roman architects and describe the types of buildings they created. Use
examples to support your essay.
Answer: found throughout the chapter.
45.
Describe Roman painting styles; how did they evolve? Use examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 245-254; 275-276.
46.
Discuss the difference between art commissioned from the Imperial workshops and art produced for the
working class. Use examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 255-257; 261-262; 263-267; 270.
47.
Compare and contrast the Arch of Titus with the Arch of Constantine. What are the similarities and
differences? How does each monument represent the emperor and his century?
Answer: pages 262-263 and 282-283.
48.
Compare and contrast the Greek Parthenon with the Roman Pantheon. How does each represent its period and
culture?
Answer: pages 267-268 and Chapter 5 pages: 126-127.
49.
Contrast the verisist preferences in Republican portraiture with Imperial portraiture. Use examples to support
your essay.
Answer: pages 236-243; 255-257; 261; 267; 271-272; 275; 277; 279; 280-281; 283-284.
SLIDE IDENTIFICATION
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50.
(Figure 10–27)
a.
Constantine
b.
Marcus Aurelius
c.
Vespasian
d.
Augustus
Answer: d
51.
(Figure 10–53)
a.
Basilica of Constantine
b.
Domus Aurea of Nero
c.
Basilica Ulpia
d.
Treasury of Petra
Answer: d
52.
(Figure 10–7)
a.
Etruscan
b.
Early Roman Empire
c.
Roman Republic
d.
Late Roman Empire
Answer: c
53.
(Figure 10–68)
a.
barrel vault
b.
dome
c.
groin vault
d.
post and lintel
Answer: d
54.
(Figure 10–75)
a.
Arch of Titus
b.
Arch of Constantine
c.
Arch of Augustus
d.
Arch of Diocletian
Answer: b
55.
(Figure 10–20)
a.
First Style
b.
Second Style
c.
Third Style
d.
Fourth Style
Answer: b
56.
(Figure 10–4)
a.
Temple of Vesta, Tivoli
b.
Temple of Fortuna Virilis
c.
Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia
d.
Pantheon
Answer: a
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57.
(Figure 10–31)
a.
relief, Column of Trajan
b.
relief, Arch of Constantine
c.
relief, Arch of Titus
d.
relief, Ara Pacis Augustae
Answer: d
58.
(Figure 10–15)
a.
atrium
b.
peristyle
c.
frigidarium
d.
caldarium
Answer: a
59.
(Figure 10–28)
a.
Elder Faustina
b.
Livia
c.
Portia
d.
Flavia
Answer: b
60.
(Figure 10–45)
a.
Basilica of Maxentius
b.
Trajan Market
c.
Colosseum
d.
Pantheon
Answer: b
61.
(Figure 10–48)
a.
Augustus
b.
Titus
c.
Vespasian
d.
Hadrian
Answer: d
62.
(Figure 10–62)
a.
Timgad portrait
b.
Faiyum portrait
c.
Melfi portrait
d.
Ostia portrait
Answer: b
63.
(Figure 10–63)
a.
Septimius Severus and Family
b.
Augustus and Family
c.
Julius Caesar and Cleopatra
d.
Plebian family
Answer: a
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SLIDE QUESTIONS
64.
Discuss the type of vaulting used in this building: How was it constructed and what effect did it have on the
size of the building and the amount of interior light available?
Answer: Baths of Diocletian, Rome reconstruction of central hall (Figure 10–68). Shows a groin vault, with
intersecting barrel vaults. This construction increased the building size measurably and allowed more light to
come through the fenestrated groin vaults.
65.
How is the sculptural decoration significant on this monument?
Answer: Arch of Constantine, Rome (Figure 10–75). This work “reused” sculptures to associate Constantine
with the “good emperors” of the early 2nd century CE. It exhibited respect for the classical past in the re-use
of these 2nd century sculptures; but it rejected the norms of classical design in the frieze.
66.
How is this style innovative?
Answer: Dionysiac mystery frieze, Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii (Figure 10–18). This work is representative
of the Second Style and depicts Dionysiac rites and rituals. The painter has combined the imitative paneling of
the First style and created the illusion of a shallow ledge. This allows the characters to move about the room.
67.
How does this image reflect the innovation of Roman architecture?
Answer: Figure Brawl in the Pompeii Amphitheater (Figure10–15). This work shows the innovation the
Roman engineer used in creating an outdoor stadium/theater. Although it resembles Greek theaters, it is
actually two theaters together and does not use a natural hillside as a structural base. By using concrete and
barrel vaulting, the engineer was able to contain the space and seating.
68.
How does this image represent imperial virtues?
Answer: Triumph of Titus, Arch of Titus, Rome (Figure 10–41). The image shows Titus in triumph returning
to Rome after his military victories in the Jewish campaigns. The figures accompanying him transform this
event further by emphasizing the imperial virtues of honor and valor. Victory crowns Titus with a victory
wreath. The youth is the personification of Honor and Valor leads the horses.
69.
How does this work typify Roman architecture?
Answer: Canopus and Serapeum, Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli (Figure 10–52). This work is a blend of classical
Greek elements and Roman innovation. The grotto was made with concrete, a Roman invention, yet
surrounding the pool are Greek columns and statuary. The Corinthian colonnade is uniquely Roman; it breaks
with Greek design. It lacks a superstructure and has arched lintels, rather than horizontal as in Greek design.
70.
Identify this object. What does it say about Antonine Rome?
Answer: Asiatic sarcophagus (Figure 10–61). An imported luxury item from Asia Minor, it attests to the
vibrant market for luxury goods during this time. The sarcophagus also shows the Roman tendencies for
merging motifs from other cultures. The arrangement of the figures is distinctly Asiatic but the figures echo
Greece, while the lid mirrors the influence from the Etruscans.
71.
What does this figure represent?
Answer: Trebonianus Gallus, Bronze (Figure 10–69). A Soldier Emperor is depicted not as a Classical Greek
ideal favored by Augustus and earlier emperors, but rather as a massive wrestler. The emphasis on brute force
indicates the instability of the Empire.
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72.
How does this image represent the Roman middle-class and professional citizen?
Answer: Funerary reliefs, Vegetable Seller (Figure 10-56). This imagesrepresents a middle class merchant and
a professional woman of Roman 2nd century society. The relief documents the activity and the individual as
seller. It is as important to the legacy of art history as imperial monuments commissioned by the Roman
emperors. A scene such as this may have been instrumental in formulating the illustrations for medieval
“labors of the months”.
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