Hello again!
Bloggers: Mila and Sophia
Blogging from: Rome sweet Rome
Steps Taken: 13,000
After a couple of refreshing days off, we woke up this morning ready for our first day of classes with Professor Ulrich. We met on top of the Capitoline Hill to discuss logistics for his portion of the trip and begin learning about Roman architecture and portraiture before entering the museum, though Professor Ulrich was frequently interrupted by loud church bells celebrating All Saints’ Day. Before heading into the Capitoline Museum, we went into the beautiful Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli (Kylie, who loves visiting churches, was thrilled). There, we learned about the different types of marble used in Roman construction (and how they were repurposed in the construction of the church) and about the Santo Bambino, a wooden image of baby Jesus believed to cure the sick. Seeing the Roman decorative elements in the church underscored the ways in which our knowledge of Roman architecture and archaeology can help us better understand early Christian church buildings.
After our church visit, we entered the Capitoline Museum and headed straight towards the sculpture area. Professor Ulrich drew our attention to a variety of sculptures (including Halle’s favorite, the Dying Gaul) to teach us the differences between Classical and Hellenistic sculpture. Then, we proceeded to the Hall of the Emperors to begin our study of Roman portraiture. Here, each of us were assigned an emperor’s portrait to study for an oral report and paper, through which we will analyze how an emperor’s bust sends messages to the rest of the empire.
After breaking for lunch, we reconvened at the Imperial Forums to learn about the various types of Roman building techniques. To our surprise and delight, we were joined by Giampi! We looked at the Temple of Venus Genetrix, noticing the opus quadratum and tufa-faced concrete box that made up the podium, its curved apse, and the footings for columns. We also remarked at the two side staircases and pycnostyle archetecture reminiscent of the Temple of Castor.
A brief rain shower (Italian winters are rainy) prompted an impromptu coffee/snack break, but we quickly returned to the site where we learned about the construction of different types of arches. We are quickly realizing that in Roman architecture, the material dictates the form.
Tomorrow, we are looking forward to more archeology and fewer showers.