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Campus Martius: Architecture and Propaganda in Ancient Rome with Livia Galante

Campus Martius: Architecture and Propaganda in Ancient Rome with Livia Galante


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The Pantheon, the Ara Pacis, the Mausoleum of Augustus are three iconic structures of Ancient Rome. This seminar will focus on how these monuments, all located in the Campus Martius, were designed to express Imperial power and why their location in this part of the ancient capital, once a swamp and cow pasture, is significant.

The Campus Martius, named to honor Mars, the god of war, was state property from the beginning of the Republican age. Close to the Tiber river, the area was subject to frequent floods. We'll learn that due to its large size (it was over 600 acres), the site was used as a military training ground (and a sheep pasture) and was in continuous use for centuries.

Emperor Augustus, famous for his expansion of the Roman Empire, was also responsible for rebuilding much of the capital during his rule. By the time of the rise of the Antonine Emperors in the second century AD, the area of Campus Martius was heavily built with theaters, baths, mausolea, and temples. Even before Augustus’s death, the area was described by his contemporaries as the most beautiful part of the city. We'll discuss how later, after the Barbaric invasions and the destruction of the aqueducts that led to the city’s decline, Campus Martius became the new center of Rome. The diminished population concentrated here, and the neighborhood has been inhabited ever since.

Led by an expert on Ancient Roman Topography, Livia Galante, this interactive seminar will focus on the Campus Martius district of Rome. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with increased comprehension of Roman architecture and the political role ancient buildings played in the imperial propaganda.

Livia obtained a degree in Archaeology at the Sapienza University of Rome and has a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre. Her main field of interest is ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture; however, she is an accomplished scholar whose teaching ability extends to the Renaissance and Baroque Rome. As a native Roman, Livia is very enthusiastic about sharing the deep love and knowledge she has for her hometown with clients.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
75%
(6)
25%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous (San Francisco, US)
Brava!

The instructor was so engaging and passionate about her subject! I felt there was a tremendous amount of information shared, but she conveyed everything with clarity, and I learned many new things about the subject.

J
Jan T (Annapolis, US)
Best tour yet with Livia

I have loved every conversation I've done with Livia. This one was the best yet. Livia's enthusiasm, deep knowledge, organization, and excellent visuals surpassed even what we've seen in earlier conversations. I knew a lot about the topic before the conversation and learned so much more. I look forward to having Livia show me Rome in person some day.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
An Inclusive Look at Key Structures in Ancient Rome

As with prior seminars delivered by Livia Galante, I was in awe of her knowledge about history, archeology, and importance of structures which demonstrate the power of ancient Rome. This session introduced me to Campus Martius which I had not known before. Her detailed analysis of 4 key structures and how they were a part of a unified plan in the days of Augustus was fascinating. I especially enjoyed the look at the Pantheon, a site that I have visited a couple of times. I now have even more appreciation of this building. The information about the other structures which were a part of the overall plan was enlightening also. I learned much new information!

K
Katy (Newport Beach, US)

Livia did a wonderful job of explaining how the Campus Martius developed. I especially loved all the photos and information about the Pantheon.

A
Amy B. (Manchester-by-the-Sea, US)
Most excellent presentation!

This was the first seminar I've taken with Livia and now I have to do them all! I've taken dozens of seminars now and this one was by far the best presentation. Livia is extremely knowledgeable and engaging and that was the absolute best slide presentation I've ever seen. Very professionally done! Those 90 minutes went by so fast, not to mention I learned so much. Now I need to go back to Rome to see in person what I just learned!

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
75%
(6)
25%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous (San Francisco, US)
Brava!

The instructor was so engaging and passionate about her subject! I felt there was a tremendous amount of information shared, but she conveyed everything with clarity, and I learned many new things about the subject.

J
Jan T (Annapolis, US)
Best tour yet with Livia

I have loved every conversation I've done with Livia. This one was the best yet. Livia's enthusiasm, deep knowledge, organization, and excellent visuals surpassed even what we've seen in earlier conversations. I knew a lot about the topic before the conversation and learned so much more. I look forward to having Livia show me Rome in person some day.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
An Inclusive Look at Key Structures in Ancient Rome

As with prior seminars delivered by Livia Galante, I was in awe of her knowledge about history, archeology, and importance of structures which demonstrate the power of ancient Rome. This session introduced me to Campus Martius which I had not known before. Her detailed analysis of 4 key structures and how they were a part of a unified plan in the days of Augustus was fascinating. I especially enjoyed the look at the Pantheon, a site that I have visited a couple of times. I now have even more appreciation of this building. The information about the other structures which were a part of the overall plan was enlightening also. I learned much new information!

K
Katy (Newport Beach, US)

Livia did a wonderful job of explaining how the Campus Martius developed. I especially loved all the photos and information about the Pantheon.

A
Amy B. (Manchester-by-the-Sea, US)
Most excellent presentation!

This was the first seminar I've taken with Livia and now I have to do them all! I've taken dozens of seminars now and this one was by far the best presentation. Livia is extremely knowledgeable and engaging and that was the absolute best slide presentation I've ever seen. Very professionally done! Those 90 minutes went by so fast, not to mention I learned so much. Now I need to go back to Rome to see in person what I just learned!