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Octavian Influence On Julius Caesar

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2. Octavian is the grandnephew of Julius Caesar. After Julius Caesar’s assassination there was a competition for power between Mark Anthony, Caesar’s first lieutenant, and Octavian. Mark Anthony and Queen Cleopatra joined forces against Octavian. The issue on power was then resolved at Actium in 31 B.C.E. At this time Octavian’s navy routed Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra. In 43 B.C.E, Octavian used force to gain approval by the government to rule for life. Octavian was given the title of Augustus, the Revered One. Octavian’s goal was to repair Rome and improve the living environment. His reign took place during an era known as Pax Romana, which was a time of peace and stability. During his reign he terminated civil wars. There was commercial …show more content…

The Romans adopted the Greek Classical Style for their architecture. This is mainly because the Romans were not expecting the extensive expansion that took place during this time period. Therefore, their architecture was less artistic and more practical in nature. Even though they did not create their own style, they did take the Classical style and modified certain aspects of it becoming what is known as Roman architecture. One of the largest structures in Rome is the Colosseum. The Colosseum opened in 80 CE under the Emperor Titus and stands in the center of Rome. This amphitheater covers six acres of land, has a circumference of 527 meters, a height of 48 ½ meters and seats around 50,000 individuals. The amount of people the Colosseum accommodated exhibits the massive Roman population. The Colosseum consisted of three floor levels above the arena floor. The first level is made with Doric columns, the second uses Ionic columns, and the third level contains of Corinthian columns. Each level was designed to seat a specific social class. The different levels emphasized the strict class system of the Empire. At the roof level, there was material that would be stretched over the arena, by pulleys, to provide shade. There were corridors and rooms that were hidden under the floor that were used to lift up the gladiators and animals to the arena floor. The exterior of the Colosseum was covered with white marble. The architecture of this structure is still used today, for …show more content…

The Latin cross has a long arm with a short one crossing it on one end. This cross is used in early Christian architecture. When building medieval churches in the West, the Latin cross plan was followed. Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s basilica demonstrate the use of the Latin cross. The architecture of both of these churches were molded off of the Latin cross. The north and south arms of the transept extend to form a Latin cross. “Crossing the transept, one continued toward the triumphal arch that framed the apse, the semicircular space beyond the transept. In the apse, at an altar that stood on a raised platform, one received the sacrament of Holy Communion” (Fiero 182). The Greek cross has four arms of equal length. This cross is used in Byzantine architecture. The Hagia Sophia is an example of the Greek cross plan, even though the Latin cross plan was incorporated into this structure. Hagia Sophia was constructed by the East Roman emperor Justinian. Light is symbolic to Byzantine liturgy so the mosaics and marble surfaces were illuminated. Once Constantinople fell, the Hagia Sophia was transformed into a mosque and the mosaics were removed. “Hagia Sophia marks the golden age of Byzantine art and architecture that took place under the leadership of the emperor Justinian” (Fiero 186). The Latin cross plan directs the eye toward the alter, the Greek cross plan directs the eye upward towards the

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