Year 11 HSC Ancient History Notes

Ancient literature

Crop Marks

Soil marks

Shadow marks

Aerial Surveying

To find a site archaeologists use:

Field Walking

Ground Penetrating Radar

Resistivity Surveying

Magnetic Surveying

Geographical surveying

To refine search they use:

PloughingDigging foundationsDivingConstruction of Roads, railways and sewers

Finds are often found by chance through human activities such as:

When a site is found an Archaeological Team begins to excavate thoroughly following a site plan.

THE GRID SYSTEM: reveals the sequence of layers exposed (strata). Divide the site into a grid of squares/boxes marked by string

OPEN AREA EXCAVATION: Uncover the whole site layer by layer. More commonly used.

They use two methods:

A combination of the two is most likely to be used.

They use extensive records and record every detail of their work. All finds are cleaned, sorted and catalogued.

The finds and associated data is examined by analysts and the finds are published.

Archaeological MethodsFriday, 30 March 20121:37 PM

Methods of Investigating the past Page 1

Archaeological TeamFriday, 30 March 20121:49 PM


A source is anything that has survived from the past. It can be written or archaeological.

Evidence is any information gained from sources when its used to reconstruct a picture of the past.

TYPES OF SOURCES

Types Of Sources

Archaeological

Artefacts

Tools Weapons jewellery Statues

household utensils

coins

Built StructuresTemples

Houses and PalacesBridges

AqueductsTombs

ObelisksPyramids

Organic Remains

Human RemainsAnimal

Remains

Written

Official Document

sContracts

AnnalsDecrees

InscriptionsPapyri

Law Codes

Library Texts

PlaysChronicles

PoemsSpeeches

Private Document

sLettersDiariesGraffiti

Religious Texts

Sources and EvidenceFriday, 30 March 20121:59 PM


What is it?1.In what context was it found?2.Can it be accurately dated?3.How does its condition affect its interpretation?4.Is it reliable/useful in providing evidence about the past5.What evidence does it provide about the past?6.

Questions to ask about Archaeological Sources:

What type of source is it?1.Who wrote it and when?2.What was the writers purpose?3.Who was the intended audience?4.Is it reliable?5.Is it useful in providing evidence about the past?6.

Questions to ask about Written sources:

HISTORICAL ISSUES

We must distinguish between fact and opinionsFact and opinion

Bias is when a writers objectivity is affected by attitudes about race, gender, class, political and cultural factors, etc.

We must determine the writers prejudicesGender bias is a major issue due to the small number of literate woman and the attitudes of the past

Bias (Gender Bias)

If there is only one account of something there is no way to determine if the source is valid

One-Sided Accounts

Validity Of SourcesFriday, 11 May 20121:43 PM


Agents Of Destruction

The effects of climate and vegetation can have a negative affect on archaeological sites and artefacts.

Natural disasters - floods, earthquakes, volcanosClimate effects - Heat, Cold, wind, rain, erosion, etc.FireAnimals - Termites, Insects, Rats, etc.Plants - plants crack stonework and fungi and bacteria destroy evidence.

Examples of natural agents of destruction include:

Natural Environment

People can have a very destructive effect on sites.

Warfare - Shelling, looting, gunfire, etc.Tourism - Tourists touching, walking, flash photography, taking souvenirs and breathing

Development - Construction of buildings (especially the foundations), cover up and destroy what's beneath.

Pollution - Air pollution causes acid rain, ground water pollution causes sites near or in water to be damaged.

Examples of human agents of destruction include:

Human Agents

Preservation of evidence

Organic materials decay at a much faster rateThe material they are made from

Very hot, dry conditions (e.g. desert), stops moisture and therefore decayIn temperate conditions things may be preserved in lakes and rivers under layers of silt or in peat bogs and marshes (See Bog Bodies)

Very cold conditions (e.g. Mountaintops, Arctic) can perfectly preserve bodies (See tzi)

Climate

Sites that are hidden can be better protected (e.g. Machu Pichu, Tutankhamen's tomb)

Location

The composition of soil may react with chemicals e.g. calcium turning bone into hard stone

Geological conditions

The survival of physical remains from the past depends on:

The Preservation Of EvidenceFriday, 11 May 20121:56 PM


bone into hard stone

Pompeii and Herculaneum preserved under layers of ash and mudSilt and sand may bury and preserve ancient sites e.g. Egypt

Burial customs play a significant role in preserving goods and bodies.Fire can sometimes preserve things by carbonising them or firing wet clay into hard clay preserving what would normally be a temporary record.

Actions of people

Some items escape destruction by luck or are destroyed by ill fortune.Chance


In the early 20th century Sir Arthur Evans tried to reconstruct the palace of Knossos in Crete

Although he was very thorough the reconstruction was based on his interpretation of what the site was and as such is highly inaccurate.

This has caused irreparable damage

Reconstructing: The Palace Of KnossosMonday, 28 May 201212:22 PM

Reconstructing The Past Page 7

Masada is a fortress in ancient Israel.It was besieged by the Romans in the 1st century ADThe siege resulted in a mass suicide by the defenders facing immanent defeat.The archaeologists during excavations found things that proved the siege took place.

Reconstructing: The Siege of MasadaMonday, 28 May 20123:23 PM

Reconstructing The Past Page 8

Bog BodiesFriday, 11 May 20122:16 PM

Preserved Human Remains Page 9

tziFriday, 11 May 20122:18 PM

Preserved Human Remains Page 10

753 BC - Rome foundedAccording to legend two brothers raised by a she wolf want to found a city but fight over what hill to build it on. Romulus kills Remus and starts city on banks of Tiber river.

509 BC - Republic establishedMisrule under king Tarqunius lead to expulsion by Rome's aristocracy. Nobles establish republic ruled by elected senate

406 BC - Rome attacks VeiiAfter centuries of beating back invader Rome attacks Etruscan city of Veii. Siege lasts 10 years.

390 BC - Gaul's sack RomeRoman defenders fail to stop invasion by Gaul and Rome is sacked.

343-341 BC - First Samnite WarSeeking to expand Rome takes on toughest enemy the Samnite nation of fierce mountain warriors. Increases Rome's power base.

340-338 BC - Latin warNumber of Latin states revolt. Rome crushes military resistance. Offers citizenship to much of population.

326-304 BC - Second Samnite WarRoman legions take fierce beatings but Roman reserves of men and material mean Samnite's eventually crushed.

298-290 BC - Third Samnite WarSamnite's ally with Etruscans, Umbrian's and Gaul's in last ditch effort to shrug roman rule. Roman war machine strengthened by new roads defeats alliance at battle of Sentinum

280-275 BC - Pyrrhic WarRome fights Greek city of Tarentum which gets assistance from Greek King Pyrrhus. Pyrrhus defeats romans at Heraclea and Asculum but at too great a cost. He is crushed by Rome at Beneventum

264-241 BC - First Punic WarRome's first conflict with Phoenician city of Carthage, Fought mainly at sea. Rome builds navy for this and gains control of Sicily.

Roman TimelineWednesday, 25 July 201211:15 AM

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238 BC - Rome gains Sardinia and CorsicaInsurgents in Sardinia invite roman forces in and the Phoenician city is obliged to cede Sardinia and Corsica to Rome.

218-202 BC - Second Punic WarThe Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca marches forces over the alps to attack Rome. Wins a series of victories and almost defeats Rome. Romans defeat Hannibal. They now control Spain.

214-205 BC - First Macedonian WarKing Philip of Macedonia joins Carthage and invades Rome's client state Illyria. Effective roman resistance is difficult because resources are needed to fight Carthage.

200-196 BC - Second Macedonian WarRome gathers Greek allies and defeats Philip of Macedonia at battle of Cynoscephalae in 197 BC. Philip keeps throne but must stay within borders. Rome intervenes in Greece to maintain dominance over the region.

171-168 BC - Third Macedonian WarKing Perseus of Macedonia agitates among Greek states. Perseus is defeated at battle of Pydna. Macedonia divided into 4 states.

149-146 BC - Third Punic WarAfter taking advantage of border dispute, Rome crushes Carthage utterly. Its superior forces besieged the city and when it eventually fell in 146 BC the romans levelled the city and enslaves 50 000 Carthaginians.

150-146 BC - Fourth Macedonian WarAndriscus, a pretender to the throne of Macedonia tries to take control but is defeated by Rome in 148 BC The ancient city of Corinth is sacked in 146 BC as Rome moves to stamp out any resistance.

133 BC - Tiberius Gracchus murderedTiberius Gracchus a reform minded tribune proposes redistribution of public land to peasants. Aristocrats object. The row sparks civil disorder and Tiberius is killed and later his brother amid rioting.

107 BC - Marius elected ConsulA gifted soldier and popular politician Gaius Marius is elected six times between 107-100 BC. Abolished property qualifications for soldiers. Made soldiers more loyal.

91-89 BC - Social WarAttempts to grant some Italians roman citizenship found several states rise

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Attempts to grant some Italians roman citizenship found several states rise up and start a new state of Italia and Rome agrees to extend citizenship to all Italians.

88 BC - Sulla marches on RomeLucius Cornelius Sulla, an ambitious consul marches troops personally loyal to him into Rome when he is stripped of a potentially lucrative military command and comes back to rule Rome as a dictator.

73-71 BC - Spartacus leads slave revoltSpartacus a Thracian gladiator leads a slave revolt of at least 90 000 people. The revolt is put down by Marcus Crassus and Spartacus is killed. Remnants of his force are finished off.

65 BC - Caesar elected aedileJulius Caesar after years of steady progression in Roman political life is elected to this middle ranking but influential position responsible for organising games. In 63 BC he is elected Pontifex Maximus or high priest.

63 BC - Catiline conspiracyAmid a steadily increasing political violence cicero accuses Lucius of conspiracy and He leaves and starts a revolt but is crushed by republic forces.

59 BC - Caesar, Pompey and Crassus strike allianceJulius Caesar surprises the senate by pulling off a three way alliance between himself, Pompey and Marcus Crassus. Propels him to consul in 59 BC. Renewed in 56 BC the agreement permits all three to secure lucrative foreign commands for themselves.

58-50 BC - Caesar campaigns in GaulEight years as governor of Gaul brings Julius Caesar great riches and popularity. By exploiting harsh tactics he extends the frontier of Gaul. In 52 BC he defeats a huge army of Gaul's at Alesia.

53 BC - Defeat of Romans at CarrhaeMarcus Crassus eager for a share of the glory embarks on a poorly planned campaign in Parthia and Crassus and his men are cut to pieces at battle of Carrhae.

49 BC - Caesar crosses RubiconJulius Caesar commits himself to civil war when he takes his legion across river between Gaul and Italy and enters Rome where he swiftly takes control.

48 BC - Caesar defeats PompeyJulius Caesars opposition force commanded by Pompey is defeated at

Rome Page 13

Julius Caesars opposition force commanded by Pompey is defeated at Pharsalus and Pompey flees to Egypt where he is murdered. Caesar strikes and alliance with Cleopatra before crushing remnants of opposition army in north Africa

44 BC - Death of CaesarJulius Caesar is declared dictator for life despite the fact that his rule has not been bloody many feel he has become too king-like. On march 15 a group of Nobles surround him in the senate and stab him to death.

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Roman empire:Had the largest army of the ancient times. At its peak in 50AD -380AD it had about 400,00 soldiers and not counting its support troops and frontier guardians. During the time of the Republic during Julius Caesar lifetime, there was barely half of this number. Julius Caesar had six legions which used to conquer Gaul, which would mean that he had up to 30,000 soldiers under his command. During the following decades the army may swelled over 600,000 but this would include both parts of the empire. The navy had about 65000 men about 400-600 permanent ships but during large navy battles likes Actium, about 900 ships were involved. The legions also had the most superior tactics such as the Testudo and excellent siege techniques.

Genghis Khan had a huge army. In its peak at the middle of the 13th century after his death, the Mongol army was probably matching the size of the Rome, but didnt have a large navy. However, it was capable assemble up to 1200 ships for invasion of Japan. During the death of Genghis he had 129 tumen of 10,000 soldiers, so about 129,000 men. It is probable that the number of support troops was certainly twice that size so it could be as large as 400,000. The invasion of Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Crimea and Middle East was carried by about 200,000 soldiers total. They used a lot of cavalry and would use a tactic where they would mount a huge cavalry charge and then retreat before the enemy could regroup and then repeat.

Alexander the Great army smaller than both of the others mentioned with about 42,000 plus several thousand allied troops that were hostile toward Persia. His conquests were successful not as much by army size, but by tactics, discipline, and leadership. He had a huge army and conquered more land than the romans without being opposed as much.

Top 3 Military Machines of the ancient WorldFriday, 27 July 201212:05 PM

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Summary of BookletMonday, 30 July 201211:46 AM

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Roman society = extremely class-conscious based on strict hierarchy w/ no definable middle class

Where born meant position; very limited to vary

Citizenship statuso

Place of birtho

Level of wealtho

Whether you lived in the country or cityo

Free or slave? o

Main factors that determined ones place in Roman society were:

Numerous divisions in the social structure; gen. look down @ foreigners such as Jews and Egyptians

Divisions often reinforced by legal and political privileges.

Figure 3.2 Roman Social StructureCitizens (Cives) Freedmen (Liberti)Slaves (Servi)Lower strata

Upper strata

The upper strata

Consisted of numerous groups, and was a hierarchy w/in a

Roman Social StructureFriday, 3 August 20121:54 PM

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Consisted of numerous groups, and was a hierarchy w/in a hierarchy

Consularsqualifications: usually came from noble families

Senators who achieved office of consulWere respected because of their experience and authority.

Senators

Equestrians (Equites)

Freedmen (Liberti)

LOWER STRATA

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In the early imperial period 35% of roman population were slaves

SlavesFriday, 3 August 20121:56 PM

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Roman Forum began as the core of the ancient city but over time became the centre of the vast Roman Empire

Original Forum developed on the flat marshy area b/w the Platine and Capitoline Hill

Forum originally a marketplace whether farmers and tradesmen Earliest forum in Rome = Forum Boarium the cattle marketBy the time of the early Republic, the Forum was a marketplace lined w/ stalls and booths where people gathered to socialise, to games, and where the funeral processions of prominent citizens took place.

Plus where funeral processions of prominent citizens took placeoAlso a venue for festivals and games

Due to conquering of the Italian peninsula 509 264 BCoInvolvement in the conflict with Carthage o

Nature of Forum changed through acquiring provinces

Political and administrative buildings gained increasing significance

ReligiousoPoliticaloEconomico

Statues and monuments were erected and the old veg. market was gradually replaced w/ more permanent structures reflecting growth of the city

Table 16.3 Purpose of Forum Buildings

Religious Political Administrative

Economic Judicial

The Temple of Vesta c. 715 672 BC

The Temple of Saturn 497 BC

The Temple of Castor and Pollux 494 BC

The Curia672 BC

The Rostra672 BC

The Comitium672 BC

The Tabularium78 BC

The Regia715 672 BC

Basilica Aemilia 55 34 BC

Basilica Julia55 34 BC

Basilica Aemilia 55 34 BC

Basilica Julia55 34 BC

(or Sacred Road) was the most ancient and important in Rome

Beginning @ the Capitoline and winding through the Forum and into It traversed the Forum

The Via Sacra

The ForumFriday, 17 August 20121:51 PM

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Beginning @ the Capitoline and winding through the Forum and into the rest of the city

o

Exact route over time has been disputedIn the Forum area the remains of 2 older roads have been found beneath the present paving

Temple of SaturnoCuriaoRostraoBasilica JuliaoBasilica AemiliaoRegiaoHouse of the VestalsoTemple of Vestao

In Republican times, following the roadway from the Capitoline Hill, you would have passed:

Notice; number of religious buildings passed by therefore sacred roadRE processions and festivals, solemn funerals and magnificent triumphs of conquering generals all paraded along the Via Sacra

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Understanding & Using SourcesSources 16.7 to 16.9

Would you feel safe in the Roman Forum? Give reasons for your answerI would feel safe as there would be thousands of people and only Jonni can choke me out.

Make a list of the things you could buy.Carpets, clothes, food, horses, everything.

What sounds would be heard?Laughter, shouts, arguments, horses, hundreds of people walking around talking, and the noises of an ancient city.

Daily Life in the ForumTuesday, 28 August 201210:11 AM

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Latin Term

Meaning/Definition English Term

English meaning Use or function Roman Example

Forum Open public meeting place; marketplace

Forum Discussion Religious Economic Political

The Roman Forum

basilica A Roman public building, usually located in the forum of a Roman town

Basilica A large oblong hall or building with double colonnades and a semicircular apse.

A large and important church that has been given special ceremonial rights by the Pope

Religious St Peters Basilica

thermae A Roman bath complex, often substantial in size, that usually contained various rooms associated with bathing

Bath House

A large public complex used for bathing

Hygiene Baths of Caracalla in Rome

curia a curia was any building where local government held office; the term started to refer also to the people making up the local administration

curia The papal court at the Vatican, by which the Roman Catholic Church is governed

Judicial The House of the Roman Senate

campus Parade ground beside each auxiliary fort used by the Roman army; the campus was an open area of ground, cleared of vegetation and covered with gravel, on which weapon training and military drills would be practiced.

Campus The grounds and buildings of a university or college

AdministrativeEducational

Campus Martius (Field of Mars)

comitium an assembly place; the comitium was the meeting place of the Roman people and was located in front of the curia in the Roman forum

Meetings Roman Comitium

via Roman road Road A road is a thoroughfare, route, or way on land between two places

AdministrativeTravel

Via Sacra

rostra a large platform where speakers

Stage A raised floor or platform, typically in a

PoliticalAdministrative

Rostra Vetera

Table of Roman TermsMonday, 27 August 201211:47 AM

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where speakers would stand on the rostra and deliver orations to those assembled

platform, typically in a theatre, on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform

Administrative

templum A templum was the sacred space defined by an augur for ritual purposes

Temple A building devoted to the worship, or regarded as the dwelling place, of a god or gods or other objects of religious reverence

Religious temple of Hercules Victor

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Roman BuildingsWednesday, 22 August 201211:42 AM

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Building, which housed the state archives

Designed by the architect Lucius Cornelius oBuilt by the consul Quintus Lutalius Catulus in 78 BC

Resembled a trapezium

Faade facing the Forum is 73.6m long

3 extra storeys were added in the 16th Century oOriginal tabularium was only 2 storeys high

Latin word tabulae means public documents

leges laws issued by the comitiaosenata consulta advice issued by the senateomagisterial edicta edicts issued by the magistratesopriestly decreta decrees issued by the colleges of priestsocomitia curiata results of the meetings of the comitia curiataoelection resultsoother docs such as the constitutiono

Public record office the Tabularium housed the following records:

The Tabularium

1 of the oldest buildings of the ancient Roman Forum located @ the beginning of the Sacred Way

Name means royal palace

In time of the Republic, was office of HQ of the Pontifex Maximus (chief priest of Rome)

the events of war, calamities and prodigiesoHoused the archives relating to RE and historic matters

Thought that in entrance, an official noticeboard was kept where the events of importance to the sacred colleges were recorded

Were published in 123BC by the Pontifex Maximus, Mucuis Scaevola, as Annales Maximi

o

These records (date back to c. 390 BC) form a rudimentary annual history

Beginning of the annalistic tradition (yearly accounts) in history exemplified many years later in the Annals of Tacitus (famous Roman historian)

1 dedicated to the god of war, MarsoOther to the goddess Ops, a goddess of the harvesto

Contained 2 chapels

In chapel of Mars were housed sacred objects such as the sacred shields (ancilia) and the sacred spear of Mars

Building restored w/ rich decorations in 36BC by Cn. Domitius Calvinus

The Regia

Administrative BuildingsMonday, 27 August 201211:40 AM

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Remains still visible todayAfter being damaged by fireo

Building restored w/ rich decorations in 36BC by Cn. Domitius Calvinus

Basilica Porcia 184 BCoBasilica Opimia 121 BCo

Destroyed in 54 BCBasilica Sempronia 170 BCo

Carcer 4th Century BCo

Temple of Concordia 367 BCoSanctuary of Juturna 164 BCoVia Appia 312 BCo

Dealt w/ the most important but here are the othersOther buildings and monuments

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The Greatest Sewer as a channel that was originally constructed to drain the marshes in valleys b/w the hills into the Tiber

It was the draining of this area that made it habitable and provided space for the Forum

Probably Tarquinius Priscus o

Sewer system believed to have been constructed c. 600 BC by order of the King

Work was carried out by Etruscan engineers and labourers from the poorer classes

Gradually this was built overoPlautus refers to a canal flowing through the Forum, probably 3m wide

had to rely on their own cesspitsPrivate houses werent o

Public toilets and bath houses were connected to the Cloaca Maxima

Mopped up by spongesoSewers were so blocked that they overflowed w/ blood

Used to cope w/ backwash from the TiberTheyre connected to the modern sewerage systemo

Today, parts of the Cloaca Maxima are still in use

Source 16.18

The Cloaca MaximaMonday, 27 August 201211:43 AM

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Known as Vallis Murcia o

To construct, Romans made use of the depression b/w the Platine and Aventine hills

Was a hippodrome that was about 600m x 200m wide

Constructed during the reign of Tarquinis Priscus o

Tiers of wooden seats enclosed a long rectangle that was rounded @ both ends

Carcares (starting gates) were @ 1 end where the charioteers and their teams waited for their signal to start

Other end = triumphal arch

God statues, shrines, fountains, columns and later obelisks from Egypt

o

Charioteers raced around the spina (central barrier, on which items from were placed

About 4km in length oRace was run 7 times anticlockwise around the track

Held in early Sept @ the end of the military yearoMain event of the racing calendar = Ludi Romani

Also, would arrive ASAP as the tiers could only hold a of the pop.oCrowds would sit together unlike the amphitheatre

Slaves were admitted as long as they stayed @ the backRomans were passionate w/ their teams

If they survived they could become extremely wealthyoMost auriga (charioteers) were slaves or freedmen

Biga Quadriga Seiugae (2 4 6 horse chariot)

Profile: The Circus Maximus

Circus MaximusWednesday, 22 August 201211:43 AM

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The campus martius or field of mars was enclosed on the west bend of the Tiber outside the pomerium and bounded by the Quirinal and Capitoline Hills.

Campus Martius

According to one legend it was a field of wheat burnt during a revolution.

Was used for grazing horses and sheep then used as a drill yard for soldiers and meeting of the comitia centuriata as no weapons were allowed in the comitium

Ball games, athletics, javelin, discus, horse riding, chariot races, wrestling, fencing and swimming were carried out there. (Good training for soldiers)

Or Field of Mars, was enclosed on the west by a bend of the Tiber outside the pomerium and bounded by the Quirinal and Capitoline Hills

But was bo

No weapons allowed w/in the pomeriumThen used as a drill ground for soldiers and meetings of the comitia centuriata

Used for grazing horses and sheep oPositioned outside the Servian Hillo

Month of March, named after the god Mars, originally began the yearo

Used as a race track, for RE celebrations and markets

In 221 BC the censor Gaius Flaminius Nepos was responsible for the construction of the Via Flaminia and the Circus Flaminius

Constructing buildings and monuments to commemorate and thank the gods for military victories

o

Many important men focussed their patronage in the Campus Martiuso

burnt during the revolution and became ager publicus (common land) when the Republic was established in 509 BC.

o

According to 1 legend, it was field of wheat belonging to the Tarquins

During Sullas dictatorship, he allowed insulae (apartment blocks) and villas to encroach on this common land

Through focus of his building complex was a temple to Venus Victrix o

Roman reluctance to allow a permanent theatre was overcome in 55BC when Pompey was responsible for Romes 1st stone theatre

Dedicated as a templeAn enormous colonnaded square filled with the best collection of paintings and statues in Rome was part of the complex

Caesar is said to have wanted to divert the Tiber to provide more land for the development of the area and planned for the Saepta

However, this wasnt to happen and Caesar was assassinated in Pompeys theatre where the Senate held its meeting after the curia had been burnt down

Designed to impress upon all the might of Roman power and Augustus own power and prestige

o

In the period of the early Empire, Augustus and his friends carried out major construction work that turned the Campus Martius into a showplace

The Theatre of Pompey

EntertainmentWednesday, 22 August 201211:43 AM

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prestige

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The curia where the senate met1.The rostra where the consuls and other magistrates addressed the Roman citizens

2.

The comitium where the Roman people assembled3.

The political activities of the Forum in the Roman Republic centred on 3 main buildings or sites:

The word curia means senate house; it was here that the 300 senators met to discuss affairs of the state

1st curia was called the Curia Hostilia after Tullus Hostillius

Located @ the NW end of the Forum

Senators sat on wooden benches; a desk and a chair were provided for the speaker

Dictator Sulla enlarged this building in 80BC but was burnt in 52BC

Gang leaders = Milo and Clodius

Violent gang warfare b/w rival supporters of Julius Caesar (JC) and Pompey broke out on the streets of Rome

o

Circumstances surrounding this incident occurred in a very volatile period of Roman history

JC increased the # of senators from 300 to over 1000 and began building a new senate house, the Curia Julia

Roman architect Vitruvius built the curia so that the height was the sum of its length and breadth = ideal for acoustics

New speakers platform was @ the far end, opp. The door as was a statue and altar to Victory

Senators sat on 3 tiers of steps on either side of the building

Augustus dedicated it on 28/Aug 29 BC.

Fire destroyed it in AD64 and AD283

Rebuilt by the emperor Diocletian and owes its preservation as converted into Christian church of St Hadrian

The curia

Latin word comitium means a meeting place or a place of assembly

In Republican times, = main area in the Forum for assemblies of the people to meet for political purposes

Site today located in the open space b/w Curia Julia and the Arch of Septimius Severus

Nothing remains most of this area

The comitium

Political BuildingsMonday, 27 August 201211:44 AM

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1st demolished by JCoLater by Augustus in their reorganisation of the Forumo

Nothing remains most of this area

Excavation has revealed many diff layers of pavement and several different configurations of the comitium

agreed upon by the augurs or diviners as an appropriate place for the reading of omens from the flights of birds

A large rectangular area aligned to the compass pointsComitium was a templeo

1st level dates from c. 600 BC

Circular in shape w/ internal steps used as seats and w/ a lowered central, circular floor space

New was modelled on the Greek design Comitium area was rebuilt and changed in shapeo

B/w 300 BC and 250 BC.

Period of the Civil Wars

Meant that the comitium had to be demolishedthe area was sealed over w/ black marble

Dictator, Sulla, enlarged the curia to accommodate themo

Carried out by AugustusJCs plans for the reorganisation of the Forumo

Large precinct where the people could assembleSaw the function of the comitium moved to the Saepta Juliao

1st Century BC

Rostra was the speakers platform from which the leaders of the city addressed the Romans assembled in the comitium

Meaning prows or beaks of shipsoName comes from the Latin word rostra

Was a large flat-topped platform decorated w/ the prows of 5 enemy ships

Displayed as trophies and were later replaced by purely decorative prows

Excavations in 1904 found the dowel holes for these beaks were still in position

Dictator, Sulla, is believed to have added a curved front to the platform in c. 85 BC

Most prominent place in the Forumo

Speakers platform in Rep. times was ideally placed on the South side of the comitium and in front of the Curia Hostilia

Carried out by Augustus

46 BC, JC planned to relocate the rostra from the comitium to the NW end of the Forum

The rostra

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Carried out by Augustuso

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Roman goddess of the hearth and the householdo

Virgins - girls chosen b/w 6 and 10 years old to serve as priestesses to Vesta

Vestas cult is said to have dated from the foundation of the city of Rome and was housed in a round building

In her temple, the sacred flame representing the continuous life of the city was tended by the Vestal Virgins (VV)

Task = ensure sacred flame never went out

If occurred, the priestess responsible was beaten by the pontifex maximus

Chief priest and guardian of the Vestals

Chosen by the pontifex maximus and remained under his control for the next 30 years

Lives = like nuns

@ end of 30 years, they were free to continue their service, return to their families or perhaps marry

Wore white robs and white-ribboned headbands

@ sacrifices and in processions = wear veils

Everyday duties included praying and making offerings and sacrifices

Offence against them was punishable by death

Belief Vesta only could set the priestess free is she was innocent

If renounce her chastity was entombed aliveo

Had to remain a virgin

Profile: The Vestal Virgins

Thought to have been modelled on the round huts occupied by the 1st

Romans

Architecture = Greek 20 Corinthian columns on a podium 15m in diameter

Inner room of the temple = cella

Had entrances facing the E emphasising the Goddess relationship w/ the sun and fire

Roof had a vent

Was never a true temple as it had never been dedicated, nor did it contain a cult statue of the goddess

Instead it housed the Palladium, a statue of Athena who in Roman mythology was known as Minerva

VV lived in a residence close by the temple known as the Atrium Vestae-the House of the VV

The Temple of Vesta

Religious BuildingsMonday, 27 August 201211:45 AM

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the House of the VV

Roman God Saturn was the god of agriculture, fertility and the harvest

Saturday named after him

Dedicatory festival, the Saturnalia, 16th day before the Calends of Jan, thats the 17th of December, and was 1 of the greatest festival days of ancient Rome

This midwinter festival was replaced in Christian times by Christmas

Probably built c. 497 BC o

Temple situated @ the Western end of the Forum near the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus

Temple served as the state treasury (the Aerarium Populi Romani) w/ vault beneath the podium for housing the great wealth of the state made up from booty, the spoils of war and tribute

Also housed bronze tablets inscribed w/ the Roman law and a statue of Saturn

The Temple of Saturn

= 1 of the most easily identified monuments oFeatures 3 tall Corinthian columns and part of the architrave

Castor and Pollux were twins whose origins go back to Greek mythology and the tales of Homer

Therefore, star sign is named after them oKnown as Dioskouroi (the sons of Zeus) and in Latin, Gemini

Roman soldiers were exhausted

Deposed King of Rome, Tarquinis Superbus, and his allies the Latins were waging war on the Romans who had established the Republic

o

Reason for the foundation of the temple is found in the story of their supposed intervention in the Battle of Lake Regillus in 484 BC

Podium was used in the 2nd century as a speakers platformo

Temple dedicated on 27 Jan 484 BC, was used as a meeting place for the senate

Were regarded as healers, the protectors of the cavalry, patrons of the equestrian class and the announcers of victory

All that remains today = part of the podium and the 3 columnso

Little remains of the original ancient temple as it was reconstructed and restored in 117 BC and in 74 BC

The Temple of Castor and Pollux

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Consul (2) Chief magistrate convened and presided over the senate and assembliesInitiated and administered legislationServed as generals in military campaigns and represented Rome in foreign affairs.Consuls could appoint and/or serve as dictator for up to 6 months in times of emergency, when constitution was suspended

When their term was completed they would govern provinces as proconsulsFormer consuls could be censor who every five years amended the list of senators

Praetor (8) Served as judges in a court of law then after their term as governor of a province

Aedile (4) Supervised public places, public games, and the grain supply in the city of Rome

Quaestor (20) Administered finances of state treasury, served in various capacities in the provinces.When elected quaestor automatically admitted to senate

Tribune (10)Plebs Only

Protected plebeians from arbitrary actions of magistratesThey could veto the act of a magistrate or administrationThey could convene the senate and assemblies and initiate legislation

All magistrates were elected for one year only

The Cursus HonorumFriday, 24 August 201210:25 AM

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Senate 600 magistrates and ex-magistrates (minimum qualification was election as quaestor) served for life

Technically and advisory body, in effect the senate was the chief governmental body

Controlled public finances and foreign affairs, assigned military commands and provinces

Debated and passed decrees that would be submitted to assemblies for final ratification

Assemblies Comitia centuriata elected consuls, praetors, censors, declared war, court of appeal

Comitia curiata mostly ceremonial and clan functions

Comitia tribute elected all other magistrates, voted yes or no on laws

The Roman System of GovernanceFriday, 24 August 201210:36 AM

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There are many layers of the city still to be excavated and interpreted and new and exciting information is being added to our knowledge and understanding

LegacyMonday, 27 August 201211:27 AM

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Documents

Year 11 HSC Ancient History Notes