Tuesdays, May 1, 8, and 15, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Art History Course: Rome, From Foundation to Constantine
Presented by G. Edward Gaffney, PhD, senior lecturer (retired), Classical and Mediterranean Studies, Vanderbilt University, and James Womack, MA, Jackson Family Chair, Visual & Performing Arts, Montgomery Bell Academy
Frist Rechter Room
Three classes:
1. Foundation through Punic Wars
2. Julius Caesar through Trajan
3. Zenith and Decline
* Each class is a standalone offering that can be taken by itself or in conjunction with the others
Price per class: $12 members; $15 not-yet members
Price for the entire course: $30 members; $40 not-yet-members (you must register for all three classes at the same time; see below for instructions)
These classes will provide an overview of the history of the city and its growth from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Particular emphasis will be given to the ascendancy of Rome—first to its role as the principal city of Italy, and then to its establishment as the principal city of the Mediterranean and Western European world. We will explore the manner in which Romans, through their built environment, aggrandized their image and their concept of empire and passed on to other cities of the empire architectural and artistic legacies.
Class 1 will cover the foundation story of Rome to the end of the Punic Wars. We will discuss the Etruscans and Rome; the city’s dominance in central, southern, and northern Italy through the 3rd century BCE; Rome’s entry onto the world stage through three Punic Wars; and her success in acquiring the beginnings of empire.
Class 2 will focus on The social and political story of Rome. Through the intrigues of the Roman Revolution and the reestablishment of order by Augustus, a new imperial system began. Emphasis will be placed on the architectural and artistic development of the imperial fora and the transformation of the Campus Martius to ennoble the city.
Class 3 will examine the zenith and decline of the Roman Empire. The reigns of Hadrian and his successors through Constantine provide the background to the dramatic changes in government that led to Constantine’s decision in the 4th century CE to found a new Rome at the site of Byzantium, in the east.
* Save money by signing up for the full course! To register for all three classes at the same time, click the REGISTER HERE link for each class. The discount will automatically appear once you have added all three classes to your shopping cart.
Visit fristcenter.org/arthistory to register. Registration required by April 24. Questions? Call 615.744.3355.