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Opulence and Color: The Marble of Ancient Rome with Dr. Dimo Kosmopoulos

Opulence and Color: The Marble of Ancient Rome with Dr. Dimo Kosmopoulos


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

“I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble”, said Augustus. In this phrase alone the former Roman emperor states two of the most distinctive materials of Roman architecture: bricks and marble. The import and use of marble were one of the most important activities (and prosperous businesses) in ancient Roman architecture. Between the second century BC and the fifth century AD, Rome and the whole Roman world were filled with marble ornamentation. This conversation will explore the theme of marble in ancient Rome as we analyze everything from marble supply to the location of quarries to its various uses.
During the early Republic, the lack of marble quarries forced the Roman architects to use local stones like tuff and limestone to build bridges, aqueducts, and residences. However, from the second century BC thanks to the development of cement and territorial expansion the aspect of Rome changed. We’ll discuss how after the conquest of Greece in the second century BC, along with the treasures, Greek workshops followed the victorious general in the city. In 146 BC the first marble temple in Rome was built: the Temple of Jupiter Stator. We’ll learn about the workshops (of Greek origin) that were used to carve marble and shape the city of Rome through their marble mastery.
Gradually, marble was introduced in Rome and became a symbol of economic wealth and ostentation, initially ostracized by the conservative class. However, we’ll discuss its quick rise to prominence: marble floors and statues enriched the monuments and the private houses. We will learn about the location of the most important ancient marble quarries in the Mediterranean area, the mining, and transportation process, and the subsequent use of the material in Roman architecture, sculpture, and ornamentation. Moreover, we will talk about the reuse of marble in Medieval Rome.
Led by an expert on Greek-Roman Archaeology, Dr. Dimosthenis Kosmopoulos, this interactive seminar will focus on the supply and various uses of marble in ancient Rome. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge of the intense presence of marble in the architecture and ornamentation of ancient Rome.

During his university studies at “La Sapienza” in Rome, Dimosthenis participated in several national and international projects, such as the study of Latin epigraphy and Roman pottery as well as various archaeological excavations in different areas of Rome (Roman Forum, Palatine, Mausoleum of Augustus). His work as an archaeologist brought him to carry out research in classical art and architecture, exploring in particular the relationship between iconography and architecture as ancient Greek and Roman artistic expressions. Dimosthenis completed his Ph.D. with a thesis on temple architecture in the Italian peninsula during the Republican period. This topic became his area of expertise. His knowledge of archaeology, ancient art history and Roman architecture is the key that he uses to share his unique perspective on the Eternal City.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
71%
(5)
29%
(2)
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A
A. (Fort Worth, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S. (Los Gatos, US)
Dimo Delivers

Who could have imagined that a lecture on the marble used in the Roman empire was very interesting? In the hands of Dimo it was fabulous. So many things I didn’t know and I found fascinating. If you are interested in Ancient Rome you absolutely must take this seminar because it will open your eyes to seeing more than just the archaeological sites. It turns out the stones used to construct these historic buildings and other structures is as interesting as the buildings themselves. Guaranteed you will love this seminar.

A
A. (West Palm Beach, US)
Ancient Marble

Dimo is a terrific speaker. Very informative. Great class!

A
Anonymous (Wyckoff, US)
The Marbles of Ancient Rome

Guest did not leave comment

A
Anonymous

From now on, I will look at marble differently with a new appreciation for its origin and symbolism

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
71%
(5)
29%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
A. (Fort Worth, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S. (Los Gatos, US)
Dimo Delivers

Who could have imagined that a lecture on the marble used in the Roman empire was very interesting? In the hands of Dimo it was fabulous. So many things I didn’t know and I found fascinating. If you are interested in Ancient Rome you absolutely must take this seminar because it will open your eyes to seeing more than just the archaeological sites. It turns out the stones used to construct these historic buildings and other structures is as interesting as the buildings themselves. Guaranteed you will love this seminar.

A
A. (West Palm Beach, US)
Ancient Marble

Dimo is a terrific speaker. Very informative. Great class!

A
Anonymous (Wyckoff, US)
The Marbles of Ancient Rome

Guest did not leave comment

A
Anonymous

From now on, I will look at marble differently with a new appreciation for its origin and symbolism