Throughout the reign of the Julio-Claudians, the Princeps were varied in their contributions to public works. The purpose and use of building programmes of each can be attributed to the concerns and issues facing the empire; and also can reflect the characteristics and self-perceptions held by the Princeps. Tiberius’ character, as noted by Tacitus, influenced the lack of new building programmes during his reign. However, it is disingenuous to infer that Tiberius did not commit to any at all, with Cassius Dio rebutting the account of Tacitus. According to Dio, programmes often surrounded the rebuilding and repairing of existing public works, and laying out significant sums for the common good; an example, the renovation of the Theatre of Pompey. Tiberius did not claim buildings restored by his works as his own, instead attributing them to their original builders. This may explain Tacitus’ conceptions about Tiberius’ programmes. …show more content…
A means to which this objective could be completed was through building programmes. Alongside the construction of Gaius’ previous works, Claudius also expanded the road and canal network throughout continental europe, with a road from Italy to Germany, and a canals from the Rhine to sea, and along the river Tiber to Ostia. The significance of these programmes lies in furthering transportation routes for military and commercial practices. Moreover, according to Suetonius, an eleven year attempt to drain the Pontine marshes near Rome employed thirty-thousand men, with purpose to increase the availability of arable land. This attempt failed; however, holds significance to the Principate as it acted as a steady source of employment and income for many plebeians in the region, and contributed to their sense of civic pride and
The Romans engaged in various forms of public works, whether constructing amphitheaters or aqueducts, the Romans funded infrastructure all across the Empire. Aqueducts greatly improved water supplies, roads made trade and travel easier, amphitheaters spread Roman culture, and military fortresses protect Rome and its people. The Romans contribution to local infrastructure all but insured their
In document 8, the “flowing aqueducts” of the Roman Empire greatly increased the ability for people to live in very condensed areas, and therefore making the empire more efficient by allowing more people to live in smaller areas. The elected officials in each respected empire noted that, because of the technological advances, the empress benefited. Thus showing that the ideas of man to invent and reinvent are not always broken causes. Document 6 states that, the romans had very advanced roads built, roads built to last thousands of years. “For the roads were built to carry straight through the country without wavering and were paved with quarried stone and made solid by tightly packed sand.” This quote shows that, because of how technologically advanced the Romans were, they were able to build these roads, roads that still last
In Document 7, there is a picture of Roman aqueduct built by the Roman government. The purpose of aqueducts in the Classical period was to transport water from a higher elevation to a
One of the most visible changes in landscape was the construction of Roman roads. Prior to this, Britain used unpaved track ways for their communications. The Roman created straight, paved roads which could be used in all weather conditions. The development of Over 9,000kilometres of roads meant communication and travel from one area of Britain to another was made substantially easier. Although they were mainly designed for a military purpose, it had a positive impact on trade as it became easier to transport goods.
The roads ended up reaching all the way to Modern Day Egypt and Northwestern Europe. Document 4a explains Rome’s need for good roads. “Roads meant that orders, troops, and supplies could be sent quickly throughout the empire.” Rome was able to be quick and efficient in war because they chose to develop their geography to their advantage. Document 4b shows the intelligent way. Romans built their roads. They made three layers: large stones, small stones, and cobble, making it curved, with ditches on either side for drainage, to prevent
The citizen could voice the comparison of Rome’s water system before and after the aqueducts were implemented, thus verifying that the new technology truely was more beneficial than prior. Similarly, in the first century, Roman citizen Plutarch praises the works of second century Roman leader Gaius Gracchus, who focused on the constuction of roads that had distance indicators and a level appearance, thus proving that roads of the Roman time, unlike previously, were not only beneficial to
Tiberius was a significant Julio-Claudian emperor who applied a great deal of contributions to the Roman Empire during his reign… The Julio-Claudian dynasty refers to the first five Roman Emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula (also known as Gaius), Claudius, and Nero and the family to which they belonged. They ruled the Roman Empire from its formation, in the second half of the 1st century 27 BC, until AD 68, when the last of the line, Nero, committed suicide. The ancient historical writers, Suetonius and Tacitus, write from the point of view of the Roman senatorial aristocracy, and
Technology’s influence on infrastructure had a positive effect on the population. According to a Han Government official of the 2nd century BCE, Han china had water conversion offices that helped control the water supply for cities, rationing out water so they had a steady supply of water throughout the year. (Document 1) Rome’s equivalent was aqueducts, which according to Frontinus, Roman general, governor of Britain, and water commissioner for the city
Tiberius Gracchus was a tribune in Rome who was met with a brutal death. Tiberius' death was the result of him trying to help Rome become better, but some questioned if he was doing it for Rome or himself. Tiberius was paying attention to the problems that Rome was facing as a result of gaining an empire and trying to find solutions. As a result of Rome gaining an empire, the land that people had once owned was being taken by the rich (Spencer). With this happening, it was not long before Rome had a clear line between the rich, who had more land than they needed, and the poor, who had nothing (Baker 74).
For the roads were carried straight through the country without wavering, and were paved with quarried stone, and made solid with masses of tightly packed sand. Hollows were filled up and bridges were built across whatever wintry streams or ravines cut the roads. And both sides were an equal and parallel height with the result that the road for its entire course had a level and beautiful appearance.” The Romans took great pride in their roads and all other projects because they had a great sense of nationalism. They really cared about their country being the best in everyway and most beautiful.
First beginning his reign, Tiberius gradually showed his people that he was in charge. He would only intervene when things were not done properly. Tiberius began to decrease the expenses of public
Augustus is known to be the first Roman emperor, and the founder of Rome, known for politically transforming the Roman republic to the early Roman Empire. During his rule his influence on artwork and architecture illustrated a classical style, and often they was a reflection of the “public image” of his rule, as well as his “new agenda”. (115) Augustus was quickly seen as a restorer of Rome. Augustus commissioned many large scale building projects such as the Campus Martius, as well as elaborate pieces of portraiture that illustrate his power and the peace of the new Rome under his rule. Augustus acknowledged his power and wealth but at the same time never formally declared himself emperor in order to maintain his citizenship. Although he was keen on denying title of emperor, he emphasized that he was a descendant of the great Julius Caesar considering himself his adopted son and his predecessor, in which he reinforces in some of the temples he commissioned. Overall Augustus was seen as a man of change and power, the one who brought prosperity to Rome when it became shaken by the assassination of Julius Caesar. The age of Augustus brought forth a classical style, influenced by Greeks, and the usage of marble and concrete to create complex buildings and sculptures. This was important because as a result of Augustus’ reign Rome obtained a very classical style, in which would later be reintroduced in order to mimic his greatness by other Emperors.
Roads that the Romans designed were essential to keep the empire safe. Over the course of 700 years, they built more than 55,000 miles of highways throughout Europe. They built these roads to link the conquered empires and establish them as colonies. Another reason roads were built was because it reduced marching fatigue and travel time for the Roman Army and they were able to move
When discussing Augustus and Caligula it is simple to bring up the subject of public works and law. Augustus had the most success with his many projects, including the Temple of Mars the Avenger, the Palatine Temple of Apollo, and the Temple of Jupiter the Thunderer on the Capitol. Many colonnade, basilica, and theater were erected and named after relatives. He urged many renowned
To reassure Roman Citizens that prosperity was evident Augustus set about reconstructing the city of Rome. Coins from the period (http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=443) illustrate the ‘health of the republic’ which was an essential part in reinforcing the feelings of stability that the Augustus wanted his people to encompass. The use of propaganda was also in an attempt to bolster his power. The reconstruction of the city involved creating essential services such as roads and aqueducts and also glorified Augustus and set in stone his achievements.