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100
Oedipus by Lucius Annaeus Seneca (1st Century)
Seneca the Younger created the play Oedipus by retelling the story of Oedipus the King first written by Sophocles. Much more violent than Sophocles and the story varied tremendously. Oedipus is regarded as a model of classical drama ever since it was first written and performed in the 1st century in Rome. The story is still on stage today after being first written nearly two thousand years ago. -
100
Augustus of Prima Porta (1st Century)
Discovered in 1863, this marble statue of Augustus (Octavius) is possibly a copy of a bronze statue. The original sculptor may have been Greek, but this marble copy was at the home of Livia; Augustus’ wife. Augustus is one of the most famous; some argue the most influential, of all Rome’s emperors. In Augustus’ statues, he never ages, stays forever young, with a lot of detail. This detail and looking young portrays much of the propaganda he gave. -
100
The Aqueduct of Segovia/Spain (1st Century)
Quite the creation that was way ahead of its time; the Roman aqueduct. Many of these even remain standing today to show the massive structures used to get water to the Roman Empire’s people in the towns as well as the bath houses. One in Spain, the Aqueduct of Segovia, is one of the best preserved. Restored in the 15th century after the Moors destroyed some of it in 1072. The aqueduct was in use all the way until the mid 19th century. -
113
Trajan's Column (107-113)
A 98 foot high column commemorating Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars from 101-102 and 105-106. Built in 113 of 20 Carrara Marble drums, each weighing 32 tons, has a spiral staircase inside. Very detailed reliefs around the entire column shows Trajan’s two victorious military campaigns. The column was the major focal point in Trajan’s Forum. -
150
Dioscurides' de Materia Medica (50-70)
Written between 50-70 by Pedanius Dioscorides, who was Roman but of Greek origin. The 5 volume book survived and was widely popular for the next 1,500 years due to its accurate medicinal information and is one of the longest lasting natural history books ever written. It was so popular that it was handwritten in Greek, Latin and Arabic, and later to Italian, German, Spanish and French, and finally to English in 1655. This image is from an illustrated manuscript from the 6th Century Greece. -
164
Domus Aurea (64 CE)
After a terrible fire of 64, some say caused by Emperor Nero, Palatine Hill was cleared of the former buildings. Nero decided to build a palace to be used for entertaining. His “Golden House” was very extravagant and through time, was forgotten and built over top. Today the site is deteriorating quickly but what remains is now under ground (under the Trajan Baths) for this expensive building which Nero used funds the city did not have. The interior style influenced many Renaissance artists. -
215
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa (2nd-4th Centuries)
One of the 7 Wonders of the Middle Ages. Used from around 100-300. There are three levels of tombs under the city of Alexandria. The Alexandrian tombs have Hellenistic and Imperial Roman influence. Also the catacombs have Roman, Greek and Egyptian styles with design in sculpture, wall relief, column styles and tombs. This is the only catacomb to feature such a vast variety of cultures and influence. The third level is now completely under water. -
260
Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus Relief/Panel (250-260)
There are about 25 Roman battle sarcophagi in this area. The Great Ludovisi Sarcophagus is from the Ludovisi Battle from 250-260. The sarcophagus features very detailed un-classical Roman reliefs from battle showing much violence which was popular amongst sarcophagi at this time. The battle continues around both sides of the sarcophagi. Also shows Decius and his son Herennius, who were killed by Gothic Scythians; they were the first Roman emperors to die in battle at hands of a foreign enemy. -
315
Arch of Constantine (312-315)
This unique arch is built between the Coliseum and Palatine Hill built to commemorate Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Uses spolia as well as major reliefs from 2nd century imperial monuments. The arch is in the street where emperors would travel and enter the city when there was a victory triumph. -
337
Zodiac Mosaic Floor in Hamat Tiberias Synagogue (286-337)
Even Jewish art had influence from other cultures such as ancient Greek myth. The synagogue at Hamat Tiberias has on the floor a zodiac circle that has Helios, the Greek sun god with a chariot, at the center. Very unique and powerful for Jewish religious temple to have influence of Greek mythology as well as for the mosaic to survive and not be destroyed over the centuries. -
400
The Tetrarchs (4th Century)
Tetrarchy means the rule of four which this sculpture represents harmony between the four rulers of Rome. Tetararchy occurred in Rome when there was no sole ruler in place where four men were named rulers. This was a momentous time in the Roman Empire since there was just not one emperor, but four, as long as Diocletian’s reform lasted. This porphyry statue, once in a Byzantine palace, sacked in 1204, now stands in Venice, dating from the 4th century sculpted in Asia Minor. -
500
Gates of Derbent/Alexander (late 5th/early 6th Century)
The 2nd longest wall ever built? The Gates of Derbent were used for defense. Rumored to be built first by Alexander, but was really built in the 5th century by the Sasanian’s (Persian). 30 towers stretching the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains for 40 kilometers and was built to protect what is now the only surviving Sassanid Persian fortress. It worked against the attacks by the Gokturks. Walls were 20 meters high and 3 meters thick. Remained in military operation until the 19th century. -
520
Mausoleum of Theoderic (520)
Typical Gothic style architecture. This tomb was built in 520 by Theoderic the Great as his future tomb. Made of Istria stone, the roof is 300 tons. Theoderic’s remains were removed during Byzantine rule and the mausoleum was turned into a Christian oratory. It’s the only suriving example of a tomb of a king from this period of time. -
547
Justinian I Mosaic (547)
Justinian the Great, a Byzantine emperor from 527-565, is known today as the “last Roman.” He attempted to recover West Rome and revive the Roman Empire. This popular mosaic and one of the most famous images of Justinian is in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna which opened in 548. After the reign of Justinian is pretty much the end of the Romans as the power house they once were. -
547
Basilica of San Vitale (526-547)
Byzantine style building built under Justinian the Great. Architect is unknown but was sponsored by a Greek banker. Contains Roman elements with a dome, shaped doorways, steped towers as well as Byzantine elements with the apse, capitals and the style brick used. The church features an extensive collection of Byzantine mosaics and well preserved. It’s the only church to survive the period of Justinian. -
Jan 1, 600
Saint Augustine Portrait (6th Century)
This painting is the earliest known portrait of Saint Augustine. It is in Lateran Rome and painted on a 6th century fesco. Augustine of Hippo influenced and developed Western philosophy and Christianity and writer of City of God and Confessions and there were not many paintings of him until a thousand years later. -
Jan 1, 1000
Yogini Chola Dynasty Figure (10th Century)
The image of Buddha really was popularized during the 1st century CE and went into what is known as the “Iconic Phase.” During this phase, which has lasted from the 1st century to the present, a lot of Buddhist style art was created. Including the Yogini Chola dynasty granite figure, made in the 10th century. From India, it now sits in the Smithsonian. -
Jul 23, 1000
Kjula (Viking) Runestone (10th Century)
Vikings used these Runestones to carve stories of men who died during battle or on expeditions as a memorial. Several runestones have been found, giving scholars the ability to know of some of the Vikings who died, their voyages, as well as life into Viking beliefs. Many of these have survived and been preserved. The writing is Old Norse. The Kjula tells the story of a man called “Spear.” These carvings were unique and each told a different story/tale. -
Jan 1, 1040
Wupatki Sinagua Pueblo Dwelling (1040-1100)
Often when looking back at ancient history, the United States is rarely mention. During the time of Vikings raiding Europe, the Indians were living in the United States, building dwellings that have withstood the test of time and many remain today. Such as the Wupatki National Monument in Flagstaff, Arizona which features the ruins of a multi story building with over 100 rooms that was created by Pueblo Indians after the eruption of Sunset Crater, built between 1040-1100. -
Jan 1, 1100
A Chinese Scholar in a Meadow (11th Century)
Done in what is known as Chinese Painting, is still popular in American culture today. This painting was done in the Song Dynasty of China, featuring a “Chinese scholar in a meadow” in the 11th century. Possibly depicting the 4th century poet Tao Yuanming. Created with India ink on silk. During the Song Dynasty, China saw high economic and population growth. -
Ambrosian Chant (374-397)
Different from the Gregorian chants, the Ambrosian chant is the only surviving plainchant tradition along with the Gregorian to be still officially part of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Ambrose did not compose the chants but like St. Gregory in the Gregorian chants, helped to catalog the chants which helped in its preservation. -
Coliseum/Flavian Amphitheater (80 CE)
The Coliseum was commissioned by Vespasian in 70 and opened during the reign of Titus in 80. Construction for a building of such grandeur and nearly 2,000 years later still represents the power of the Roman Empire. Today, nearly two-thirds of the building is gone through neglect, thieves, and destruction due to weather but the character of the buildings that represented power as countless men and animals died within the Coliseum fighting for their lives for the blood thirsty patrons cheering. -
Pompeii (08/24/79 CE)
The aesthetic value does not come with the town itself, but the preserved remains that have been found in the town as well as what remains today. Having been overwhelmed with volcanic ash and preserving and mummifying so many bodies as well as the buildings, what researchers have learned from this site have been extensive. Even though buildings are now being lost at a fast pace, this site has helped learn so much since it became a time capsule due to the disaster in 79. -
El Castillo/Chichen Itza (800-900)
The wonderful Mayan civilization, creating much mystery and well ahead of their time. This lost civilization have left few clues, but many ruins, including the popular town of Chichen Itza which features El Castillo. Built in the Terminal Classic period in now Mexico, El Castillo is a pyramid style temple to the god Kukulkan. -
Ovid's Metamorphosis (8 CE)
Metamorphosis, a fifteen book collection comprising over 250 myths, was written by popular Roman poet Ovid, a contemporary of Virgil and Horace who lived during the reign of Augustus before Augustus banished him to Tomis, on the Black Sea. The book tells the story from the creation of the world up to the dedication of Caesar. This text has stood the test of time, being read in colleges and other people still today. -
Oseberg Ship (800)
Since most Viking ships were destroyed or burnt for burials, there have been so few fragments found. The Oseberg Ship was found in a burial grave in Norway and very well preserved. Through this, scholars are able to see techniques used by Vikings and why they were so great traveling constantly on the seas to plunder many villages. Carvings even remain on the ship. The burial was from 834 but the ship was built around 800. -
Codex Aureus of Lorsch (778-820)
An illuminated gospel book during the reign of Charlemagne’s rule over the Frankish Empire. Featuring ivory panels and illuminated text and imagery. Illuminated text is a decorated or illustrated manuscript which was very popular in Western traditions. Gold and silver artistic techniques were added for letters, writing, borders, designs, as well as to border art and highlight important sections of books, gospels, or any other texts.
