Roman Republic

Art and architecture have contributed to identity in the Roman world since Romulus and Remus gave birth to “the city on the hill”. We see art and architecture used in the Roman world to convey meaning, often, a meaning of change or remembrance. While this change or remembrance does not always revolve directly around personal identity, it contributes to the identity of a time period; it gives us an understanding of what was important to the people. This, in essence, is what Torelli describes in his article regarding architecture in the Roman Republic. It describes the art and architecture changing to support what the Roman’s were most passionate about. In the beginning of the article, he explains that one of the biggest indicators in the birth of the Republic was the stark change in the use of terracotta decorations. Torelli describes that the use of terracotta decorations went from common, casual use to more specific and special use, on temples of the Gods. (Torelli, 88) For the Roman …show more content…
(Torelli, 81)However, after a period of exclusive “freshness”, a change began to happen. Torelli states, “The ruling class of the mid-Republic was then eager to reestablish many traditions belonging to the monarchical past.” (Torelli, 88) Torelli describes that the revival of the monarchical past was seen through the revival of triumphal celebrations and associated building projects. (Torelli, 88) Torelli also describes that that this time period was, “a true revival of decorative traditions and practice.” (Torelli, 88) This shift described by Torelli signifies the power that art and architecture had over the Roman people. By changing aspects of their art or architecture, they were rebuilding a connection with the past and the past’s power that the people can identify