Title: Julius Caesar Super Star

Blogging from: Rome, Italy on 29th of September

Bloggers: Shawn and Sophia

We started the morning on the Capitoline Hill overlooking the Roman Forum. The focus of the morning was the one and only, Julius Caesar. First we discussed the Temple of the Divine Julius and how exactly Augustus used filial piety to disrupt public gathering places. Then as we walked to the other side of the Capitoline to get an overview of the Julian Forum. Here Professor Stewart explained to us how Julius Caesar created another type of public space.

 

Then we walked towards the Ara Pacis with the desire to pick up some granite on the way near the pantheon. But alas, our granite place was closed. Oh well. On to the Ara Pacis. After a quick coffee we made our way inside. Shawn gave her presentation on the Horologium of Augustus and then we saw the marvel of the Ara Pacis. The imagery of abundance, growth, and fertility covered every side of the alter. The marble is carved with garlands containing fruits and pine cones and ribbons. The reliefs on the side show a religious procession with all of Augustus’s family members as well as plenty of religious figures and children. The Ara Pacis is as beautiful as it is chilling, a reminder of the subjugation of the religious cults and implementation of emperor worship that occurred under the Julio-Claudians. The emperor was more than just a figure head, he became a god by force.

 

After the Ara Pacis we gathered around to listen to Alex give an oral report on the Roman grain supply. In context with the theme of the day, Alex told us about the Egyptian bread basket and how the Roman subjugation of Egypt was more than simply military action. Augustus made Egypt his own private property. Therefore any grain that came from Egypt to Rome was a gift of the Emperor. Augustus made himself the giver of food in a food insecure world.

 

After a trip through a special exhibit featuring Claudius, we made our way to the Theater of Marcellus where we discussed the “face lift” Augustus gave to the Temple of Apollo Sospianus and the overshadowing of the Temple of Bologna by the renovated Apollo temple and the construction of the massive theater complex of Marcellus.

 

We broke for dinner, ate some apples and honey, and met back up for a light show at the Forum of Julius Caesar. The show was entertaining but met with mixed reviews. We had some questions about how relevant some of the information may have been. But it was a fascinating experience. All in all a successful day. We went home for some well needed z’s and very excited for our free day.