ART 1A Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Decius, Clerestory, Mithraism
Chapter 7 Discussion Forums – The Severans and Late Empire
The Serveran Dynasty
Why and how did the Antonine dynasty end?
-With the assassination of Marcus's son Commodus in 192 CE.
Where was Septimius Severus born? Why is this significant?
-Africa. Because he lied about his lineage???
Caracalla
What is the rough date for this sculpture?
-211 – 217
How did he come to the throne and when?
-211 CE when he succeeded his father?
How is he depicted in his portrait sculptures?
-with the intention of energy and strength but it comes across more as if he is suspecting
danger
How does Caracalla’s choice of how he wished to be portrayed compare to how Augustus had
himself portrayed and how does this reflect on the state of Rome?
-Augustus wanted to be displayed as handsome and god like, Caracalla chose to be portrayed
as more realistic and aggressive
Baths of Caracalla
How large was the bath complex?
-it covered an area of almost 50 acres. Probably held 1,600 bathers at a time.
What was included within the complex?
-a natatio (giant swimming pool), frigidarium(cold baths), tepidarium(warm bath),
caldarium(hot bath), and a palaestra (exercise court).
Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus
What is the rough date of this sarcophagus?
-250 – 260 CE
How does the composition compare to classical perspective?
-these figures are all squished and stacked and all over each other which is pretty uncommon,
it rejects classical perspective.
Who do we think the young officer was and what is inscribed on his forehead?
-one of the sons of Trajan Decius. The emblem of Mithras.
Diocletian and the Tetrarchs
What was significant about Diocletian’s coming to power?
-his troops proclaimed him emperor and established the tetrarchy
How did Diocletian decide that the Empire should be governed and why?
-he established the tetrarchy (rule by four).
Who were the tetrarchs?
-Himself, the Augustus of the West, and Eastern and Western Caesars
The Tetrarchs
When was this sculpture made?
-305
What was the sculpture made from?
-Porphyry (purple marble)
How are the four figures depicted? Is there any differences between them and what might this
indicate?
-They are depicted as nearly identical partners in power, not as distinct individuals, and the
only thing that may tell them apart if their beards which might just indicate who is Agusti vs.
Caesars.
Is this a degeneration of the Classical tradition or a conscious replacement by a completely
different aesthetic? Explain briefly
-It is a conscious replacement that is fitting for the idea of the tetrachy itself.
Why do you think that the tetrarch might have chosen to have themselves this way? Is there
possibly a political reason for this? Explain briefly
-They are depicted as nearly identical partners in power, not as distinct individuals. They are
also shown to be very close to each other. This all shows that they are capable and basically
the same, sharing the same rule and ideals. They sought to represent the tetrarchy itself.
Document Summary
Chapter 7 discussion forums the severans and late empire. With the assassination of marcus"s son commodus in 192 ce. With the intention of energy and strength but it comes across more as if he is suspecting danger. Augustus wanted to be displayed as handsome and god like, caracalla chose to be portrayed as more realistic and aggressive. It covered an area of almost 50 acres. A natatio (giant swimming pool), frigidarium(cold baths), tepidarium(warm bath), caldarium(hot bath), and a palaestra (exercise court). These figures are all squished and stacked and all over each other which is pretty uncommon, it rejects classical perspective. His troops proclaimed him emperor and established the tetrarchy. Himself, the augustus of the west, and eastern and western caesars. They are depicted as nearly identical partners in power, not as distinct individuals, and the only thing that may tell them apart if their beards which might just indicate who is agusti vs.
